Kochi Police Chief Removed Over Fatal Crash Probe Involving Judge's Minor Son
The government had suspended four personnel attached to the Cheranalloor police station on Tuesday over alleged procedural lapses
KOCHI: The Kerala government has removed Kochi City Police Commissioner R. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar from his post following allegations of serious lapses in the investigation into a fatal road accident involving the 17-year-old son of an Additional District Judge.
R. Nishanthini, currently serving as Inspector General of Police (South Zone), will succeed Kumar as Kochi City Police Commissioner. Kumar has not yet been assigned a new posting.
The action follows mounting public criticism over the handling of the Cheranalloor accident, which claimed the life of 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, a roadside food vendor. He was riding a scooter when a speeding car allegedly driven by the teenager struck him on Container Road in Cheranalloor early on Sunday.
The police initially registered a case under provisions relating to rash driving and causing death by negligence. The teenager was subsequently released on station bail, triggering protests and questions over the police response.
As the controversy intensified, investigators expanded the case, and the teenager’s father, a judge who owns the luxury car, was also named as an accused.
The government had suspended four personnel attached to the Cheranalloor police station on Tuesday over alleged procedural lapses.
The suspensions followed a preliminary inquiry conducted by Additional Director General of Police P. Vijayan. During his investigation, the senior officer visited the accident site, examined police records and met the victim’s family.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had assured the Kerala Assembly that appropriate action would be taken against officials found responsible for negligence.
The removal of the Kochi City Police Commissioner marks a further step in the government’s response to the alleged mishandling of the case.