Kochi: Crime Branch to probe minor-driven car crash, police lapses under scrutiny
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Kochi: The investigation into the death of a scooter rider after a luxury car driven by a minor rammed into him in Cheranallur will be transferred to the District Crime Branch, Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said.
The police will also conduct an internal inquiry to determine whether there were any lapses in handling the case. The commissioner said steps would be taken to seek cancellation of the bail granted to the 17-year-old driver, who allegedly drove the car at excessive speed without a licence. The vehicle was reportedly travelling at over 100 kmph. He added that the boy’s parents could not evade responsibility.
A case had already been registered against the boy’s father, Additional District Judge Francis Xavier, as the Mercedes-Benz involved in the accident was registered in his name. The case was filed under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The accident occurred early Sunday on Container Road in Cheranallur, Kochi. Jayapalakrishnan, a native of Chittoor who ran a roadside food stall, died after the car struck his scooter from behind while he was returning home after closing his business.
The teenager reportedly told police that he had taken the car from their apartment without his parents’ knowledge.
His initial release on station bail triggered protests by the victim’s family. He was subsequently taken into custody again and faced additional charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. However, the Juvenile Justice Board granted him bail after he was produced before it around midnight.
The victim’s family has vowed to pursue legal action until justice is secured and all those responsible are held accountable.