Kochi Police Book Judge in Fatal Crash Involving Minor Son

Police in Kochi registered a case against an additional district judge after obtaining permission from the Kerala High Court, alleging he allowed his 17-year-old son to drive the car involved in a fatal crash. The Mercedes-Benz struck a scooter in Cheranalloor, killing 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan. The judge is the car’s registered owner and the teenager’s father. The crash occurred at about 2:20 a.m. on October 25 on Container Road, according to the police FIR. Jayabalakrishnan was returning home after closing his roadside eatery when the car allegedly hit his scooter. He died at the scene. Police say they are examining whether the father allowed his unlicensed minor son to use the vehicle. They registered the case against the judge after seeking and receiving High Court permission. The reports do not identify the judge by name. The teenager was initially released on station bail on October 25. After protests by Jayabalakrishnan’s family and local residents, police took him into custody again and produced him before the Ernakulam Juvenile Justice Board on October 26. The Board granted him bail. Police said they would seek cancellation of that bail from the Ernakulam District...