The family of Jayabalakrishnan, who died in a road accident, has temporarily suspended its protest after discussions with the Assistant Commissioner of Police at Cheranalloor police station in Kochi, according to a report by Mathrubhumi. The family said it was satisfied with the steps taken by the police and expected the court proceedings to move in its favour.
After the meeting, Jayabalakrishnan’s children told the media that they would continue efforts to bring the 17-year-old who was driving the car, as well as the teenager’s father, a judge, before the law. The family also said it would seek to be made a party to the government’s appeal seeking cancellation of the teenager’s bail.
The family said it would approach the court on issues including action against the teenager’s father and his possible suspension. These statements were made by the family after the meeting and represent its demands and intended legal steps. The report does not provide details of any court order on those demands.
Jayabalakrishnan’s children and relatives reached the Cheranalloor station at about 5 pm after his funeral ceremonies. Lawyers and workers from different political parties accompanied them. Initially, police allowed only the victim’s children and their lawyer to enter the station. The gate was then closed, leading to an argument outside involving relatives and others who had gathered.
The situation eased at about 8 pm when the relatives were allowed inside the station. Discussions continued for several hours because the family wanted the actions taken by the government and police to be provided in writing. The talks ended at about 9 pm, after which the family agreed to suspend the protest for the time being.
The police meeting has therefore shifted the immediate dispute from a station-level protest to the legal process. The family’s focus is now on the government’s appeal against the teenager’s bail and on further court proceedings concerning the role of the teenager’s father. The report does not state the next hearing date, the sections of law involved, or the outcome of the bail appeal.
For residents, the case highlights how families affected by serious road accidents seek written accountability from investigating authorities while court proceedings are under way. It also shows the institutional sensitivity of cases involving a minor driver and a parent who is a judge. Any determination of criminal responsibility, bail, or disciplinary action will depend on the relevant police investigation and court decisions.
The family said it would join the government’s appeal against the bail granted to the 17-year-old and approach the court for further action concerning his father. Those legal steps are the next developments identified in the report.
