Govt, police stand with victim's family, children should not be shielded from the consequences of the offences they commit: Ramesh Chennithala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday said the state government and police stand firmly with the victim's family in the Cheranalloor accident in which Jayabalakrishnan, a roadside food stall owner, was killed after a car driven by a 17-year-old boy hit him. "What wrong had that poor man done?" he asked, assuring the family that they would get justice.

Chennithala said the court's decision should be viewed seriously and that children should not be shielded from the consequences of the offences they commit. Protecting minors despite the crimes they commit is not right, he added.

"The government will examine various aspects of the Cheranalloor case, including the bail granted in the case, in consultation with legal experts," he said. Chennithala also expressed concern over the increasing number of juvenile offences.

"What will happen to society if children continue to behave this way?" he asked.

The High Court had granted anticipatory bail to the father of the 17-year-old accused in the Cheranalloor accident case. The father, an Additional District Judge, was granted relief after the court noted that the vehicle had been taken into custody and that he was cooperating with the investigation. Meanwhile, the Additional Sessions Court has extended the bail granted to the 17-year-old accused in the case.