Kochi Hit-and-Run: 17-Year-Old Accused of Fatal Crash
A tragic incident in Kochi leaves a street vendor dead, with allegations of a cover-up involving the accused's judge father.
A 55-year-old street vendor was killed by a speeding Mercedes driven by a 17-year-old.
The accused secured bail shortly after the incident, raising concerns of favoritism.
Victim's daughter claims evidence contradicts the minor's claim of novice driving.
In a tragic hit-and-run incident in Kochi, a 55-year-old street food vendor named Jayabalakrishnan was killed when a Mercedes Benz, allegedly driven by a 17-year-old, collided with his scooter around 2:20 am on Sunday. The victim had spoken to his daughter just before the crash, and she was informed of the accident by police at 4:30 am. The young driver, reportedly the son of a district judge, was said to be driving at 104 km/h at the time of the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the crash have raised serious questions about accountability and justice. Bhadrakeerthi, the victim's daughter, has accused the teenager's father of attempting to shield him from the consequences of his actions. She asserts that the minor has previously driven at high speeds, contradicting claims that this was his first time behind the wheel. Evidence from social media suggests that the teenager had been posting videos of himself driving at speeds exceeding 200 km/h prior to the incident.
Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar confirmed that the vehicle was being operated by a minor and stated that the police had gathered evidence indicating the car was traveling at excessive speeds. Although initial investigations lacked eyewitness accounts or CCTV footage, a video later surfaced showing the vehicle exceeding 100 km/h. As a result, the police have invoked Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The incident has sparked outrage and allegations of a cover-up, particularly given the accused's familial connections. Bhadrakeerthi expressed her frustration with the police's handling of the case, claiming they exhibited bias towards the accused due to his father's position as a judge. She described interactions with the accused's father as confrontational and dismissive, further fueling her belief that justice may not be served.
Looking ahead, the police are appealing against the Juvenile Justice Board's decision regarding the minor's case. Bhadrakeerthi remains determined to seek justice for her father, asserting that the law should apply equally to all, regardless of their social standing. The family continues to call for accountability and transparency in the investigation, emphasizing the need for justice in the face of perceived favoritism due to wealth and influence.
