Cheranalloor accident: ‘judge destroying evidence, derailing probe’

Kochi: A complaint has been filed against the Additional District and Sessions Judge whose 17-year-old son was driving the car involved in the fatal Cheranalloor accident, alleging that the judge attempted to destroy evidence and derail the investigation.

Bhadrakeerthi, daughter of Jayabalakrishnan, who died in the accident, lodged the complaint with the police, seeking an investigation by a special team. She alleged that the judge spent around 20 minutes at the accident site, attempted to tamper with evidence and tried to influence the course of the investigation.

The Crime Branch is examining the judge's presence at the scene, including allegations that an official board displayed on the car was removed after the accident.

Investigators have questioned the judge twice. The 17-year-old driver has also been questioned twice. The team is currently collecting and examining evidence in the case.

The cyber division is analysing data retrieved from a laptop and mobile phone seized from the judge's residence.

Meanwhile, the court hearing the petition to cancel the minor's bail has directed the investigating officer to produce the case diary. Investigators are working to ensure that the diary accurately reflects the evidence gathered so far.

Based on the findings from the digital examination and other evidence, the Crime Branch is preparing to question the judge and the minor again.

The fatal Cheranalloor accident occurred around 2.20 am on October 25, 2026, on Container Road near Maraparambu in Kochi. A Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by a 17-year-old boy, son of an Additional District and Sessions Judge, rammed into a scooter ridden by 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, a roadside eatery owner returning home after closing his shop. He died at the scene.