Cheranalloor accident: Kochi Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh removed following serious lapses in taking action

KOCHI: Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar has been removed from his post following lapses in taking action in the Cheranalloor accident case. Reports say South Zone IG R Nishanthini is likely to be appointed as the new Kochi City Police Commissioner. Along with this, P Prakash is likely to be appointed as the new South Zone IG. The official order on it is expected to be issued by Wednesday evening. The action is following the directive from Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.

An inspection conducted by ADGP P Vijayan found serious lapses from the side of the police in the Cheranalloor accident case. Although four officers, including the sub and circle inspectors of the Cheranalloor police station, had already faced action, discontent and resentment had persisted among police personnel over the lack of action against senior officers. The lapses by senior officials and others had caused considerable embarrassment and a crisis for the home department. It was against this backdrop that a police reshuffle was decided upon, including the transfer of the city police commissioner.

The accident happened Sunday early morning at around 2.30 am. Jayabalakrishnan, who was riding a scooter, was killed when the Benz car driven by a 17-year-old boy, the son of a judge, hit him. Jayabalakrishnan’s family staged protests over the delay in taking action against the accused. Following this, a case was registered against the additional sessions judge, who is also the registered owner of the vehicle.