Cheranalloor accident: Jayabalakrishnan’s relative says family was threatened into signing vakalath; daughter refutes

KOCHI: Chief Minister V D Satheesan met the family of Jayabalakrishnan, who was killed in the Cheranalloor accident. He assured the family that the government would extend all necessary help to them. Hibi Eden MP was also present with the chief minister. Jayabalakrishnan’s daughter, Bhadra Keerthi, spoke to the media after that.

‘Advocate Sreejith is someone who is close to our family and he shared a very close bond with my father. Initially, we were unaware of the legal procedures and other formalities. He helped us move forward with the case. Nobody forced us to do anything. I personally signed the vakalath. We have conveyed all our demands to the chief minister and had submitted them in writing as well. He assured us that the government would stand by us to ensure justice,’ said Bhadra Keerthi.

Meantime, dramatic scenes unfolded in the court today when the plea filed by Jayabalakrishnan’s family seeking cancellation of the bail granted to the 17-year-old accused came up for consideration. Jayabalakrishnan’s niece, Jayalakshmi, told the court that the family was threatened to sign the vakalath.

When the court asked who had given the vakalath, the lawyer replied that it was Jayabalakrishnan’s daughter. The lawyer also informed the court that she would appear in person. Reports say that differences within the family led to the confusion.

The court also strongly criticised the inclusion of the 17-year-old’s name and other personal details in the pleas. The court remarked that only the boy’s photo was yet to be shared. The court then pointed that disclosing the identity and personal details of a minor accused in this manner constitutes an offence under Section 101 of the Juvenile Justice Act, punishable with imprisonment of up to two years. The details of the accused were included in both the pleas of the prosecution and the family of Jayabalakrishnan.