A man killed in Kerala’s Kochi when a luxury car allegedly driven by a judge’s minor son hit a scooter

Forensic officials are collecting evidence from a car that was involved in a fatal accident at Cheranalloor in Kochi on Sunday that killed a 55-year-old scooter rider. | Photo credit: Thulasi Kakkat

A 55-year-old man died after a luxury car allegedly driven by a 17-year-old crashed into the scooter he was riding on Sunday (October 25, 2026).

The deceased was identified as Jayabalakrishnan of Chittur, Cheranalloor. This is the second road accident allegedly involving juvenile drivers in Kochi within a fortnight.

The Cheranalloor police on Sunday recorded the arrest of a minor driver, said to be the son of a court official. The boy was released on bail from the police station later in the day under Section 8 of the Youth Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, according to police.

The accident took place around 2:20 am near a car showroom in Maraparambu on Container Road in Cheranalloor. The boy was traveling alone in a car from Vallarpadam towards Kalamassery when he hit a scooter which was moving in the same direction, according to the FIR. Cheranalloor Circle Inspector told the media that the boy was not under the influence of alcohol as per the preliminary medical examination.

Mr. Jayabalakrishnan, who was returning after closing his restaurant in Chittur, reportedly succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

Police have registered charges of reckless driving and rash or negligent act not amounting to homicide under Section 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the minor driver. Later in the day, the police added Section 105 of the IPC, which prescribes punishment for manslaughter not amounting to murder, in the FIR. The section was added amid protests and criticism leveled at the police for releasing the accused on bail. “Based on the new charge, further action will be taken against the accused,” said a senior police officer. Relatives of the victims, supported by various political parties, staged protests outside the Cheranalloor police station after the accused was granted bail.

The last rites of the victim were performed at the Pachalam crematorium on Sunday.

. Mr Jayabalakrishnan is survived by his wife Manju and three children.

The accident came just days after three youths died after an allegedly speeding luxury car driven by a 19-year-old crashed into the two-wheeler they were riding near Nedumbassera.

Strict action is sought

Meanwhile, Ernakulam MLA TJ Vinod asked Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to examine whether the act of the police granting bail to the minor accused was legally correct. According to him, the responsibility of the car owner, who allowed the minor to drive the vehicle, should fall within the competence of the investigation. “There should be no compromise in the investigation because of the family background and influence of the accused,” he said.

Published – 25 Oct 2026 20:34 IST