Kochi man, 55, killed as Mercedes driven by judge’s minor son hits scooter

KOCHI: A Mercedes-Benz driven by a minor rammed into a scooter in Kochi early Sunday, killing a 55-year-old man. Police sources said the child in conflict with the law was the son of a judge.The deceased was identified as Jayabalakrishnan (55), son of Rangaswamy Chettiyar, a resident of South Chittoor.He ran a roadside eatery and was heading home after closing the shop when the accident occurred around 2.20 am on Container Road near Maraparamb in Cheranelloor.Both vehicles were travelling in the same direction towards Kalamassery. A preliminary investigation indicated that the car hit the scooter from behind, police said.An FIR has been registered under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving and causing death by negligence. A senior officer with Cheranelloor police said the minor’s medical examination report had been received.The doctor’s preliminary report indicated that he had not consumed alcohol, but a detailed report would be sought.The officer added that the sections would be altered if the investigation revealed any further offence. The preliminary investigation indicated that the minor was alone in the car.Although the offences under the sections invoked are bailable, police said further action would be taken after consulting the Juvenile Justice Board.Meanwhile, Jayalakshmi, a relative of the victim, said she visited the accident spot and found the scene horrifying.“One of his footwear items was on the road, while the other chappal and helmet were at a distance on the service road. The impact on the vehicles itself showed that it was a high-intensity collision,” she told reporters.Police have not disclosed the accused’s identity, as Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act prohibits the disclosure of a child in conflict with the law’s identity or any particulars that could lead to identification.According to police, the teenager claimed in his initial statement that the scooter suddenly swerved to avoid waterlogging and that he could not stop in time to avoid the collision. Heavy rain had also lashed the area in the early hours of Sunday.The accident comes close on the heels of another high-profile crash in Kochi on October 11, when a Mini Cooper driven by a 19-year-old rammed into a scooter, killing three youths.Suhail (19), who was behind the wheel of the luxury hatchback, was allegedly intoxicated and driving at an extremely high speed. Police later found that he had allegedly consumed liquor at three different bars before the accident.The driver was arrested on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and remains in judicial custody.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in KochiStay updated with the latest Kochi news. Download the TOI App.