Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has assured the family of Jayabalakrishnan, who died after being hit by a Mercedes car in Cheranalloor, Kochi, that a public prosecutor chosen by them will be appointed for the case. The announcement follows the crash involving a 17-year-old driver and renewed concerns over road-safety enforcement and prosecution.
Chennithala gave the assurance on Saturday after visiting the home of Jayabalakrishnan, 55. According to the minister, the government stands with the family and will ensure that the case proceeds in the right direction. The crash occurred on October 25, when Jayabalakrishnan was hit by the Mercedes car in Cheranalloor.
The accused is the son of a judge. The minister did not announce further details about the proposed appointment, including the name of the prosecutor or the timeline for the appointment. His statement, however, places the family’s choice at the centre of the government’s proposed legal response.
“Justice is the same for everyone,” Chennithala said, adding that the government would consider reforms if there were complaints that existing laws were not effective enough. He also said strict action would be taken against people who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“No one should complain about police checks from now on,” the minister said. He also addressed an error in the prosecution during an appeal, saying it was not a serious mistake and had already been rectified. The statement did not provide details of the error or explain the specific corrective steps taken.
The minister said Bhadra Keerthi, Jayabalakrishnan’s daughter, was like a daughter to him. Keerthi said she had full faith in the assurances given by the Chief Minister and the Home Minister.
The case has also drawn political attention. Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan visited Jayabalakrishnan’s home and met family members. He assured them of full support in their efforts to secure justice.
The crash has raised questions that extend beyond the immediate case, including how police checks, prosecutions and appeal proceedings operate when a fatal road incident involves allegations of underage driving. The minister’s comments specifically linked the government’s response to enforcement against driving under the influence and to possible changes if current legal provisions are found inadequate.
The government’s next stated steps are to appoint a public prosecutor selected by the family and continue the case through the legal process. Further details on the appointment and the prosecution proceedings have not been announced.
