News Desk: A 55-year-old street food vendor was killed in Kochi, Kerala, after a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by a 17-year-old rammed into his scooter in the early hours of Sunday, October 25. Police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident, including whether more serious charges can be brought against the minor.
The victim, identified as Jayabalakrishnan, ran a street food cart in the Chittoor neighbourhood of Kochi. According to his family, he was returning home at around 2.30 am after closing his food cart when the luxury car hit his scooter from behind in the Cheranalloor area. The impact was severe, and he died at the scene.
Jayalakshmi, the victim's niece, said her uncle was a cautious rider who always drove his two-wheeler at a slow speed. She described the impact as extremely severe and said he was thrown a considerable distance from his scooter. The family is now seeking answers over the circumstances that led to his death.
The victim's relatives also alleged that the minor accused was the son of an additional district judge. This claim has not been independently established in the available report.
Cheranalloor Circle Inspector Shyam Kumar said police had registered a case against the teenager for causing death by a rash or negligent act that does not amount to culpable homicide. The investigation is continuing to establish the precise circumstances of the collision.
According to the police officer, the accused underwent a medical examination, and blood samples were collected for testing. Preliminary findings suggested that he was not intoxicated at the time of the accident. Police also confirmed that the teenager was alone inside the car when the collision occurred.
Investigators are examining whether the evidence justifies adding culpable homicide charges. Shyam Kumar said the police would consult the Juvenile Justice Board before invoking additional non-bailable provisions.
The incident has renewed concerns about road safety and underage driving, particularly involving high-powered luxury vehicles. It has also drawn attention to the legal procedures that apply when a minor is accused of causing a fatal road accident.
The Kochi crash comes just around two weeks after another fatal accident near Cochin International Airport. In that incident, a Mini Cooper allegedly driven by a 19-year-old under the influence of alcohol rammed into a scooter, killing three people. Police arrested the accused and three others who were travelling in the car.
The two incidents have once again highlighted the potentially devastating consequences of reckless driving. As the investigation into Jayabalakrishnan's death continues, police are expected to examine the available evidence before deciding on further legal action.
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