Kochi Police Chief Transferred Amid Controversy Over Mercedes Accident
Kochis police chief, Kali Raj Mahesh Kumar, addresses his transfer linked to a fatal Mercedes accident involving a judges son.
Kochi, October 30 (Daily Kiran) : Senior IPS officer Kali Raj Mahesh Kumar, recently transferred from his position as Kochi City Police Commissioner, has stated that he has not been contacted by any additional district judge or other officials regarding the recent Mercedes-Benz accident in Cheranelloor.
Following his transfer on Friday, Kumar emphasized that he had not interfered in the investigation or any subsequent proceedings related to the case. He clarified that he played no role in managing the incident.
Describing the transfer as part of government service, Kumar expressed his acceptance of the order, noting that higher officials did not provide a specific reason for his reassignment.
The accident occurred on October 25 at approximately 2:20 AM on Container Road near Kochi. A Mercedes-Benz car, allegedly driven by the 17-year-old son of an additional district judge, collided with a scooter operated by 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, resulting in his death on the spot.
Jayabalakrishnan was returning home after closing his roadside shop near Chittoor Temple. The police’s handling of the case has sparked significant controversy, particularly after the teenager was released on bail shortly after being taken into custody.
In response to growing criticism, the teenager was later re-arrested, although the juvenile justice board subsequently granted him bail. The boy’s father, serving as an additional district judge at the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Irinjalakuda, has also faced accusations in connection with the incident.
The Kerala High Court later intervened, halting the father’s arrest and directing him to cooperate with the investigation. Allegations of bias and potential influence in the case have been raised during the inquiry.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has expressed concerns over the police’s actions. Kumar, known for his tough stance against criminal gangs and drug networks in Kochi, refrained from blaming anyone regarding his transfer.
