A 17-year-old boy, the son of an additional district judge, allegedly rammed a Mercedes-Benz into a scooter in Kochi, Keralam, killing the rider. The incident occurred around 2.30 am, when the victim was returning home after closing his street food cart.
The victim, identified as Jayabalakrishnan, 55, was a resident of Manjali and operated a food cart in the Chittor area. According to his family, the car struck his scooter from behind in Cheranalloor, throwing him several hundred metres. He died at the scene.
Police took the teenager into custody following the incident. After a medical examination and being produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), he was released in accordance with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Cheranalloor Circle Inspector Shyam Kumar said a case had been registered against the minor under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to causing death by a rash or negligent act. Blood samples were collected for testing, although preliminary findings indicated that the teenager was not intoxicated at the time of the accident.
Police said further investigation would determine whether more serious charges, including culpable homicide, could be applied. Authorities will also decide whether to take action against the boy’s father, in whose name the vehicle is registered.
The victim’s niece, Jayalakshmi, alleged that the car was travelling at high speed when it struck her uncle’s scooter. She said he was a careful rider and would not deliberately put himself or others at risk on the road.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala assured the victim’s family that strict action would be taken, regardless of the accused’s social standing or influence. He said deaths caused by reckless driving would not be tolerated.
The incident comes around two weeks after a 19-year-old allegedly drove an intoxicated Mini Cooper into a scooter near Cochin International Airport, killing three people. The driver and three other occupants of the car were arrested and charged in connection with that case.
