Cheranalloor accident: Victim’s family to stage hunger strike until justice is obtained, to file complaint with CM

KOCHI: The family of Jayabalakrishnan (55), who was killed after hit by the Benz Car driven by a judge’s 17-year-old son, is to stage a hunger strike. Bhadra Keerthi, daughter of Jayabalakrishnan informed this to the media. She said that they will stage a hunger strike until justice is obtained. Action should be taken against the guilty cops. She questioned the bail granted to the accused even before her father’s body was obtained. She informed that a complaint will be directly handed over to the chief minister and the DGP seeking justice.

Jayabalakrishnan of Chittoor was killed Sunday early morning at 3 am at Maraparambu area in Cheranalloor on the Kochi Container Road. He was running an eatery shop near the Chittoor Temple. The police took the 17-year-old into custody again and produced him before the Juvenile Justice Board following protests by various opposition organizations outside the police station at night. He was subsequently granted bail once more.

Meantime, a decision is expected today on whether a case will be registered against the additional district judge, who also holds charge of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal and is the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident.

The family of Jayabalakrishnan harshly criticized both the 17-year-old’s father and the police over the fatal accident. Bhadra Keerthi, alleged that the police had behaved improperly towards her and her father when they previously visited the police station to file a complaint.

Jayabalakrishnan’s niece, Jayalakshmi, alleged that when they questioned the judge about giving the vehicle to his unlicensed son, he responded, ‘Don’t come to question us.’ The family claimed that the police changed their attitude after knowing that the accused’s father is a judge. They told us not to speak emotionally. They also asked us to delete the photo of the accused which we captured from our phones.

Meantime, reports say that the 17-year-old involved in the accident frequently drives vehicles on public roads. He took the car out to film reels.