Top officials grilled by police: PSC chairman questioned for six hours, judge for three hours

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOCHI: Kerala witnessed two high-profile officials being questioned by the police for hours on Wednesday, despite their attempts to avoid the proceedings by citing legal protection.

A Crime Branch Special Investigation Team (SIT) questioned Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Dr M.R. Baiju for nearly six hours in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with alleged irregularities in examinations and appointments at the Planning Board.

Meanwhile, the Additional District Judge, who is the second accused in the Cheranalloor accident case, was questioned for nearly three hours in Kochi.

Police seek permission to arrest judge; questioning to continue today

The police have issued a notice directing the Additional District Judge, whose 17-year-old son allegedly killed roadside eatery owner Jayabalakrishnan by hitting him with a Mercedes-Benz car, to appear for questioning again at 11 am today.

The judge is learnt to have repeated his statement that his minor son drove the car without his knowledge. The questioning was held at the Ernakulam Police Club from around 3.30 pm on Thursday.

The police have sought the High Court's permission to arrest the judge. He may be arrested as soon as permission is granted. The High Court will decide whether the judge should be suspended after receiving the police investigation report.

The police had searched the judge's flat in Aluva on Tuesday night. They also seized the luxury motorcycle used by the 17-year-old. The Motor Vehicles Department has served a notice on the judge as part of the process to cancel the registration of the Mercedes-Benz car.

Meanwhile, the children of Jayabalakrishnan approached the High Court on Wednesday and submitted a complaint to the Registrar General, seeking action against the judge.

Police Commissioner transferred over alleged collusion

Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar has been transferred over allegations that he colluded with the judge. R. Nishanthini, who was serving as the South Zone Inspector General, has been appointed as the new Kochi City Police Commissioner. State Crime Records Bureau IG P. Prakash has been appointed as the new South Zone IG. No new posting has been given to Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar.