News Desk: Former Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar has strongly denied allegations that he helped the family of a minor accused in a fatal Mercedes-Benz accident. He has also rejected claims that his recent transfer was connected to the handling of the high-profile investigation, insisting that the move was part of a routine administrative exercise.
Speaking to reporters in Ernakulam, Kumar said he had neither interfered in the investigation nor extended any assistance to the accused minor or his father. He also clarified that he had never received a phone call from the judge whose 17-year-old son is allegedly involved in the accident. According to Kumar, he had no communication with the judge or any member of his family.
The incident took place on October 25 in Kochi, when a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the minor rammed into a two-wheeler, killing 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan. The victim was riding a scooter when the collision occurred.
The case triggered widespread criticism after the accused minor was initially granted bail from the police station. The victim's family subsequently raised serious allegations, claiming that there was an attempt to weaken the investigation and protect the accused. The controversy also sparked public protests and questions over the conduct of the police investigation.
The minor was later taken into custody after additional charges were included in the case. However, the Juvenile Justice Board subsequently granted him bail.
Amid growing criticism, four police officers attached to Cheranalloor police station were suspended. The Kerala government also transferred Mahesh Kumar from his position as Kochi City Police Commissioner and appointed senior IPS officer R Nishanthini as his successor.
The transfer led to speculation about whether the action was linked to alleged irregularities in the investigation. Kumar, however, has categorically denied any such connection.
A 2005-batch IPS officer, Mahesh Kumar has an extensive career in policing and counterterrorism. He initially served in the Jammu and Kashmir cadre, where he sustained injuries during a terrorist attack while on duty. He was subsequently transferred to the Kerala cadre in 2013 on compassionate grounds.
During his career, he served as Kozhikode City Police Commissioner and held several important positions in central investigative and security agencies. He was also appointed Deputy Inspector General in the National Investigation Agency in 2021 and later served with the Central Industrial Security Force.
Mahesh Kumar assumed charge as Kochi City Police Commissioner in January 2026.
While the former commissioner has denied personal involvement in the case, questions surrounding the initial handling of the investigation and the alleged lapses by police personnel continue to draw attention.
Reader Comments 0