Kochi road accident: Judge's minor son detained after luxury car crash kills street vendor

What happened on Container Road

Cheranalloor police have taken a 17-year-old boy into custody after a Mercedes-Benz rammed into a scooter in Kochi early on Sunday, killing a 55-year-old street food vendor on the spot.

The victim, Jayabalakrishnan, was returning home to South Chittoor at around 2:20 am after closing his roadside food cart when the collision occurred near Maraparambu on Container Road. Both vehicles were travelling in the same direction towards Kalamassery when the car hit the scooter from behind.

The vehicle involved in the crash is registered to Reno Francis Xavier, First Additional District Judge at the Irinjalakuda court. Police confirmed the teenage driver, who was travelling alone from Vallarpadam, is the judge's son.

Police investigation and legal action

Officers from Cheranalloor police station registered an FIR under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering rash driving and causing death by negligence. Police noted that legal action is moving forward swiftly following standard protocols.

Cheranalloor Circle Inspector Shyam Kumar said medical examinations of the minor driver were carried out immediately after the incident. While initial medical observations indicated no alcohol consumption, blood samples were collected and dispatched for detailed laboratory analysis.

Police are consulting the Juvenile Justice Board to determine the next legal steps and decide whether further non-bailable charges should be invoked as the investigation moves ahead. Under Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, law enforcement authorities have withheld the minor's identity.

In his initial statement to officers, the teenager claimed the scooter swerved suddenly to avoid waterlogging caused by overnight rain, preventing him from braking in time. However, victim's family members pointed to the severity of the impact on the vehicle as evidence of heavy force.

Recent high-profile road incidents in Kochi

Law enforcement authorities have maintained strict vigilance over night traffic and speeding across the district following two major vehicle collisions this month.

Police officials affirmed that legal standards are being strictly applied in both cases to ensure full accountability and thorough evidence collection.