Crime Branch raids judge’s flat as fatal crash case upgraded to culpable homicide

Accident details: teenage driver, speeding Mercedes and victim’s death

During the early hours of Sunday, a speeding Mercedes-Benz collided with the rear of a scooter on Container Road at Marapparambu. The victim, 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, a resident of South Chittoor in Cheranalloor and a native of Manjali, died after being transported to the hospital.

After the victim's family staged protests, the teenager was taken into custody once more and charged under Section 105 of the BNS for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The teenager was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and taken into police custody. According to initial police reports, the teenager was not intoxicated, and blood samples have been sent for analysis.

The teenager maintained a public Instagram account boasting more than 2,500 followers, where he frequently shared driving reels. Among these videos was footage showing him reaching speeds as high as 200 kmph in that same Mercedes-Benz.

Within hours of the crash, the minor deleted the videos and made his Instagram account private.

Legal provisions target judge as vehicle owner and guardian liability

The FIR has been updated with Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act to include the judge as the registered owner of the car. Under this legal provision, the guardian of a juvenile or the registered owner can be held accountable for offences committed by a minor.

On Monday, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala informed the Assembly that officers would face strict action for their failure to incorporate the correct legal provisions in the initial FIR. He reiterated on Tuesday that the judge will not receive any preferential treatment during the investigation.

Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar noted that specific procedures are being followed because the registered owner of the vehicle is a judge. Four police personnel have been suspended in connection with the case.

Family and political protests demand arrest of judge and son

The victim's daughter, Bhadrakeerthi, along with her brother, claimed that the judge and the police colluded to protect the minor. Furthermore, they alleged that the authorities concealed the fact that three additional passengers were inside the car during the impact.

Bhadrakeerthi reported that the Additional Director General of Police and other senior officials visited their home on Monday afternoon to record statements. She also stated that four police personnel have been suspended, though the family remains unaware of the specific reasons for these actions.

The victim's family has demanded the arrest of both the judge and his son. Plans are underway for them to approach the High Court to request the judge's dismissal from his judicial position.

On Tuesday, BJP and CPI(M) workers held a protest outside the Cheranalloor Police Station. The protesters demanded action against the father of the accused teenager.

Police response: suspensions, bail review and further investigations

The police have begun the process to have the minor's bail revoked.