The Cheranalloor crash investigation intensified on Wednesday as the crime branch questioned an additional district judge for several hours after naming him as an accused in the case involving the death of a 55-year-old man in Kochi. Investigators are examining whether the judge had knowledge of his 17-year-old son allegedly driving the Mercedes-Benz involved in the accident.
The questioning began at about 2.40pm at the police club and was intended to formally record the judge’s statement, according to the report. The judge had earlier cooperated with investigators but had not agreed to have his statement officially recorded. He was summoned after the crime branch searched his apartment at Companypady in Aluva.
The search continued overnight and ended on Wednesday morning. Investigators collected CCTV footage from the premises and seized documents related to the car and a premium motorcycle. The motorcycle was taken into custody on suspicion that it had been used by the minor. Footage purportedly showing the Mercedes-Benz leaving the apartment hours before Sunday’s fatal crash had also circulated widely on social media.
The accident killed Jayabalakrishnan, 55. Police have registered a first information report against the judge under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which deals with offences involving juveniles and can impose liability on vehicle owners or guardians in specified circumstances.
The Ernakulam motor vehicles department has separately begun steps to suspend the registration of the car. The regional transport office has issued a show-cause notice to the judge, identified as the registered owner, asking why the vehicle’s registration should not be suspended. The notice is the first stage of the process. If a case is registered under Section 199A, the vehicle’s registration can be suspended for 12 months after the owner is given an opportunity to respond. The law also provides for imprisonment of up to three years in applicable cases.
Police have approached the court dealing with offences against women and children, seeking cancellation of the bail granted to the teenager. The court issued notice to the accused and posted the matter for further consideration on October 30. Police told the court they wanted the teenager in custody to question him about his alleged high-speed driving and how he learnt to drive. Investigators said they had obtained three videos allegedly showing him driving recklessly.
Jayabalakrishnan’s family, which has been impleaded in the case, has also sought cancellation of the minor’s bail. The family questioned his claim that he took the car without his family’s knowledge at 1.26am and drove it illegally for 35km. They also alleged that he was a habitual traffic offender.
Separately, Jayabalakrishnan’s children and relatives met the registrar general of the Kerala High Court and submitted a representation seeking action against the judge. The registrar general reportedly told the family that it was not yet clear whether the teenager had taken the car with the judge’s knowledge. Any further action against the judge would depend on the investigation’s findings on that issue.
Congress MP Hibi Eden visited Jayabalakrishnan’s family and assured them of his support. He said he was in touch with Chief Minister V D Satheesan and the home minister, who would visit the family after the Assembly session. The next court hearing on the bail cancellation plea is scheduled for October 30.
