Kerala Leaders Visit Family of Kochi Accident Victim, Promise Justice Regardless of Accused's Status

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan met the family of Jayabalakrishnan, who died after a Mercedes‑Benz car hit his scooter in Kochi on 25 October. The alleged driver is a 17‑year‑old minor, son of an additional district and sessions judge. The family has alleged a conspiracy to weaken the case after the minor received bail multiple times.

Background

• Incident date: 25 October 2026, Kochi, Kerala.
• Victim: Jayabalakrishnan, killed when his two‑wheeler was struck.
• Alleged driver: 17‑year‑old minor, son of a sitting judge.
• Initial police action: Minor granted bail at the police station; public protests followed.
• Subsequent legal steps: Additional sections added, minor detained, then released on bail by the Juvenile Justice Board. The judge‑father was named as an accused, but the Kerala High Court directed police not to arrest him.

Family's Allegations

• The family claims the investigation is being diluted to protect the influential accused.
• They point to the swift initial bail and the High Court’s restraint on arresting the judge as evidence of preferential treatment.

Official Responses

• Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala (Saturday visit): Stated the family is satisfied with the ongoing probe; the government is fully committed to justice. "Law and justice are equal for everyone, whether a judge or a common citizen."
• Police Commissioner R. Nishantini accompanied the ministers; no separate statement issued.

Political Reactions

• Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan (evening visit): Said the family still feels the investigation lacks necessary vigilance despite meetings with the Chief Minister and Home Minister. He noted a public perception that the wealthy and powerful can evade accountability.
• MP Hibi Eden and MLA T.J. Vinod were also present during the morning visit.

Verification and Next Steps

• Confirm details via the Kerala Police official website or the Kerala High Court cause list.
• Track Juvenile Justice Board orders for the minor’s bail status.
• Monitor statements from the Chief Minister’s Office and the Home Ministry for updates on the investigation’s progress.