Published Oct 30, 2026 | 3:24 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 30, 2026 | 3:32 PM
V.D Satheesan on Friday met the family members of the victim and assured the government's support.
The controversy surrounding the Cheranalloor road accident case has taken a fresh turn, with a court pulling up the prosecution for disclosing the identity of the 17-year-old accused in its plea seeking cancellation of his bail.
The court’s intervention comes as questions continue over the police investigation and the sudden removal of Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, allegedly in connection with the case.
The Additional Sessions Court dealing with cases involving women and children pointed out that mentioning the juvenile’s name and personal details in the application violated the legal safeguards protecting children in conflict with the law.
Both the prosecution and the family of the deceased had included the teenager’s identifying details in their respective petitions.
The court questioned whether applications could be filed in such a manner and observed that disclosing the juvenile’s identity was a punishable offence under the Juvenile Justice Act, carrying a prison term of up to two years.
In a sharp remark, it said the only thing left was to publish the teenager’s photograph as well.
The court directed the prosecution and the victim’s family to submit fresh applications after removing all identifying information.
The matter will be considered again on October 31.
Meanwhile, outgoing City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar rejected reports that an Additional Judge had contacted him regarding the accident. He described his transfer as a routine administrative decision, ruling out any link to the case.
Speaking to reporters before relinquishing charge, he said he had received no call from the judge or any other person in connection with the case. He maintained that the police had registered the case based on the evidence collected and dismissed reports suggesting external influence.
Kaliraj’s removal had followed the suspension of four police personnel, including the Cheranalloor SHO, over alleged lapses in the investigation.
Kaliraj had assumed charge in January this year. R. Nishanthini succeeded him as Kochi City Police Commissioner and assumed charge on Friday, October 30.
The case pertains to the death of 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, a resident of Cheranalloor, who was hit by a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the 17-year-old son of an Additional Judge.
The teenager was initially granted station bail.
Following public criticism, the police added a culpable homicide charge and produced him before the Juvenile Justice Court, which later granted him bail.
Chief Minister V.D Satheesan on Friday met the family members of the victim and assured the government’s support.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
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