Car washed? Judge's board removed? Victim's family seeks probe into alleged evidence tampering in Cheranalloor accident case

KOCHI: The family of Jayabalakrishnan, who died in the Cheranalloor road accident, has lodged a police complaint seeking a special investigation against the Additional Judge whose 17-year-old son was driving the car involved in the crash. The complaint was filed by Jayabalakrishnan's daughter, Bhadrakeerthi, who alleged that the judge reached the accident site and remained there for around 20 minutes, during which evidence was destroyed.

The family has expressed suspicion that the accident-involved vehicle may have been moved or washed. There are also reports that the official board identifying the vehicle as belonging to a judge, which was displayed at the rear, was subsequently removed. The complaint calls for a thorough investigation into all developments from the time of the accident.

The family has further alleged that the judge illegally visited the police station, influenced police personnel and improperly interfered with the investigation. They suspect that these interventions were aimed at ensuring that certain charges applicable to the accused were dropped. The family has demanded that a separate FIR be registered and a detailed investigation conducted into the alleged destruction of evidence.

Meanwhile, District Crime Branch officers have already questioned the Additional Judge twice. The investigation team has also questioned the 17-year-old on two occasions. The court hearing a petition seeking cancellation of the teenager's bail has directed the investigating officer to produce the case diary.