Minor's identity revealed on social media: Court seeks explanation from probe officer in Benz accident case

KOCHI: The Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court has criticised the investigation officer in the Cheranalloor Benz accident case over the circulation of details of the 17-year-old accused on social media. The court questioned why no action had been taken over the circulation of the minor's details. The criticism came while hearing a petition seeking cancellation of the teenager's bail. The court directed the investigation officer to appear in person on Monday and provide an explanation. It also ordered the Cyber Police to investigate how photographs of the 17-year-old were circulated on social media.

The court further directed the Cyber Police to immediately remove all social media posts that could reveal the identity of the minor. It also instructed them to take urgent action and submit an action-taken report. Meanwhile, the prosecution argued that the Juvenile Justice Board did not have the authority to consider the bail application in a case involving a culpable homicide charge. It also contended that the board had granted bail without properly examining the relevant documents. The prosecution sought to shift the 17-year-old to an observation home as well.

The court will consider the investigation team's petition seeking cancellation of the teenager's bail again on Monday. The petition challenges the bail granted to the juvenile accused by the Juvenile Justice Board.

The accident occurred around 2.30 am last Sunday near the Manappuram temple in Cheranalloor. A Mercedes-Benz car driven by the 17-year-old collided with a scooter ridden by Jayabalakrishnan, a native of Manjali. Jayabalakrishnan died on the spot.