Kochi Mercedes Crash: Judge Claims He Was Asleep As Victim's Daughter Questions Bail, Alleges Evidence Tampering

The family of Jayabalakrishnan, a 55-year-old street-food vendor killed in a Mercedes-Benz crash in Kochi, has questioned the Kerala High Court’s decision to grant anticipatory bail to the father of the 17-year-old accused in the case. The victim’s daughter, Bhadrakeerthi, has alleged that the judge and his family attempted to tamper with evidence to protect the minor.

“We have learnt that the parents spent several hours at the crime scene, and we are sure they tampered with the evidence. They have done everything to protect their son,” Bhadrakeerthi told NDTV.

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The judge, an Additional District and Sessions Judge posted in Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district, was named as an accused under the Motor Vehicles Act after his son allegedly drove the family’s Mercedes-Benz into Jayabalakrishnan’s scooter in the early hours of October 25. The victim died at the spot.

 Victim’s Family Questions Equal Treatment Under Law

Expressing disappointment over the High Court’s decision, Bhadrakeerthi questioned whether an ordinary citizen would receive similar relief.

“There is evidence against the judge and his son, but the law is still supporting him. Why? Just because he is a judge? Would an ordinary person get the same privilege?” she asked.

The family has alleged that the judge received preferential treatment because of his position and has demanded accountability in the case.

The judge, in his anticipatory bail plea, claimed that he was asleep when his son took the car without his knowledge. He said he learnt about the accident only after receiving a phone call informing him of the crash.

The High Court noted that the judge had already been questioned by the police for around four hours and said he would cooperate with the investigation. It granted him protection from arrest, while directing him to appear before the investigating officer.

Deleted Driving Reels Raise Questions

Bhadrakeerthi also questioned the claim that her brother’s alleged teenage accused had learnt to drive by watching YouTube videos and had taken the car out for the first time.

According to police sources cited in reports, the teenager had previously maintained a public Instagram account with more than 2,500 followers, where he allegedly posted driving videos. Some videos reportedly showed him driving the same Mercedes-Benz at high speeds.

The account’s posts were deleted, and the profile was made private within hours of the crash, according to the reports. The victim’s family has cited these developments while questioning the account of events presented by the accused’s side. The allegations of evidence tampering have not been established in court.

Police Lapses Add To Family’s Concerns

The case has also triggered scrutiny of the police investigation. The Kerala government has acknowledged lapses in the probe, suspended four personnel posted at Cheranalloor police station and removed Kochi city police commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar from his post.

The teenager was granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board on October 26. The state government’s plea seeking cancellation of his bail is pending before the court.

ALSO READ: Kerala Judge's Minor Son Rams Mercedes Into Scooter, Leaves 55-Year-Old Man Dead; Video Surfaces

Jayabalakrishnan was returning home after working at the street-food stall he had run for nearly 30 years when the crash occurred. He was the sole breadwinner of his family and had supported the education of his three children through the business.

Despite the setback, his family has vowed to continue its fight for justice, questioning whether the investigation will hold everyone involved accountable, regardless of their position.