Published Oct 28, 2026 | 12:00 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 28, 2026 | 12:09 PM
Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar.
Synopsis: Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar is likely to be replaced following serious lapses in the investigation into the fatal Cheranalloor crash involving the 17-year-old son of Additional District Judge Rino Francis. Four police officers have been suspended over delays in registering the FIR, shortcomings in evidence collection and the deletion of footage recorded by local residents, while a search of the judge’s flat resulted in the seizure of evidence. The victim’s family plans to approach the Kerala High Court seeking cancellation of the teenager’s bail.
Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar is likely to be replaced following serious lapses in the investigation into the fatal Cheranalloor crash in which a luxury sedan, allegedly driven at high speed by the 17-year-old son of Additional District Judge Rino Francis, rammed into a scooter, killing its rider.
R Nishanthini, Inspector General of Police of the Southern Range, is likely to succeed Kumar, while P Prakash is expected to take over the Southern Range post. An official order confirming the reshuffle is awaited.
The proposed reshuffle follows directives from Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and comes a day after four police officers were suspended for lapses in the case. An inquiry by Additional Director General of Police P Vijayan found serious shortcomings in the initial investigation, including delays in registering the First Information Report (FIR), inadequate collection of evidence and the deletion of footage recorded by local residents on their mobile phones at the accident scene.
The suspended officers are Cheranalloor Circle Inspector Ramkumar, Station House Officer Vishwajith, Grade Sub-Inspector Manoj and Grade Assistant Sub-Inspector Arun. The suspensions followed a report submitted by Vijayan to the State Police Chief after he visited the police station to examine the alleged lapses.
The Intelligence wing also flagged the alleged failure of the City Police Commissioner to intervene effectively. The Home Department is understood to have taken the view that the Commissioner should have acted decisively, given the sensitivity of the case and the possibility of pressure on the investigating officers because the accused is reportedly the son of a judge.
Also Read: Child seen steering moving car in Thiruvananthapuram two days after Cheranallur crash
Police conducted a seven-hour search of the flat of Additional District Judge Rino Francis, the father of the accused and the registered owner of the Mercedes-Benz involved in the crash.
The search began late Tuesday night and ended at 4 am on Wednesday. Police seized crucial evidence during the search.
Separately, the family of Jayabalakrishnan, who was killed in the accident, is preparing to approach the Kerala High Court seeking action against the teenager. The family intends to join the police plea before the Additional Sessions Court seeking cancellation of the teenager’s bail. It will also file a separate complaint against the judge before the High Court.
Jayabalakrishnan’s daughter, Bhadrakeerthi, said the family had decided to call off its protest following assurances from the government and expressed confidence in the police investigation. However, the family remains upset that the teenager continues to be out on bail days after the fatal accident.
On Tuesday, Chennithala told the Legislative Assembly that action would be taken against officers found responsible for the lapses.
He also criticised Francis for visiting the police station after the crash and said the judge had committed a grave mistake because the circumstances of the incident did not warrant the exercise of any official privilege available to judicial officers.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
