Mercedes driven by judge’s minor son kills scooter rider in Kochi

In the early hours of Sunday, a tragic incident occurred in Kochi, Kerala, when a 17-year-old minor, the son of an additional district judge, allegedly drove his Mercedes Benz into a scooter, resulting in the death of the rider, Jayabalakrishnan, 55, a resident of Manjali. The victim was pushing his scooter on Chittor area when the high-speed impact from behind caused fatal injuries.

Police took the teenager into custody and subsequently produced him before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act. The minor was later released under the provisions of the act. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it is unknown if charges will be filed against the boy's father, whose name is registered on the car.

The victim's niece, Jayalakshmi, spoke to reporters, describing her uncle as a careful driver who never drove recklessly. She emphasized that the injuries sustained by her uncle were severe, leading to his immediate death. Shyam Kumar, a Cheranalloor Circle Inspector, registered a case against the minor under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing death by rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide.

The police have collected blood samples from the minor, which will be tested to determine if intoxication was a factor. If the investigation concludes that the boy was not intoxicated, culpable homicide charges may be pursued. The police will consult the Juvenile Justice Board before imposing non-bailable sections.

The state home minister, Ramesh Chennithala, assured the victim's family that strict action will be taken against those responsible for road accidents, regardless of their social status. This incident follows a similar case just two weeks ago, where an intoxicated 19-year-old driver rammed a Mini Cooper into a scooter, killing three people near Cochin International Airport. The accused, along with three others present in the car, were arrested and charged by the police.