India
Judge in Kerala Booked for Attempting to Destroy Evidence After Son’s Fatal Accident
An additional district judge of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Kerala, whose 17‑year‑old son crashed a Mercedes‑Benz into a scooter and killed the rider on 25 October, was booked on Monday for attempting to destroy evidence, police said. The judge had earlier been booked on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash and negligent driving under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicle Act. The victim, Jayabalakrishnan, a street‑food cart operator from Manjali, died after being thrown into the air at about 2.30 a.m. near Cheranalloor. The family filed a fresh complaint alleging the judge spent time at the accident site to destroy evidence and forced a police officer to delete a photograph taken by a victim’s relative. Kochi police commissioner R. Nishanthini confirmed receipt of the complaint and said the judge was later booked for the new charge. Four police officers were suspended; the reason was not disclosed, but insiders said it was due to failure to book the accused under stringent provisions and the deletion of the photograph. The judge had been granted interim protection from arrest by the Kerala High Court on Thursday and claimed he was asleep and unaware of his son’s use of the vehicle. The case is now being investigated by the Ernakulam district crime branch wing, and a special court has been asked to cancel the minor’s bail. The punishment for destruction of evidence can be up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to five thousand rupees, or both.
Frequently asked questions
What charges were filed against the judge?
He was booked for attempting to destroy evidence, and earlier for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash and negligent driving under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicle Act.
Why were police officers suspended?
Four officers were suspended for failing to book the accused under stringent provisions and for deleting a photograph taken by a victim’s relative.
What punishment can the judge face for destroying evidence?
The punishment can be up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to five thousand rupees, or both.