Kochi, Oct 30 (PTI) Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Friday said action had been taken against police officers who failed to discharge their duties in connection with the death of a scooterist hit by a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the 17-year-old son of an Additional District and Sessions Judge here.
Chennithala’s statement came after the transferred Kochi City Police Commissioner, Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, told reporters earlier in the day that the judge had never contacted him and that he had not received any request from anyone to handle the investigation in a particular manner.
Kumar said the investigation had proceeded on the basis of evidence and would continue to do so.
Kumar, an Inspector General-rank officer, was transferred and replaced by IG R Nishanthini.
There were reports that Kumar was transferred after the judge allegedly contacted him following the accident.
Apart from Kumar, disciplinary action was taken against police officers who handled the case at Cheranalloor police station, officials said.
In a post on X, Chennithala said the police had a duty to protect the interests of the victim and ensure that justice was not undermined by institutional lapses.
“Where police officers failed in their duty, action has been taken. We are with Jayabalakrishnan’s family, and we will continue to pursue every legal step available to secure justice,” he said.
“The law must work for the victim — without fear, favour or influence,” he added.
The accident occurred on October 25 in Kochi when the Mercedes-Benz rammed a two-wheeler, killing 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan.
The victim’s family has alleged a conspiracy to sabotage the case.
R Nishanthini assumed charge as Kochi City Police Commissioner on Friday afternoon, becoming the first woman to hold the post.
Speaking to reporters, she said she would work to maintain law and order in the city and curb the drug menace as part of the state-wide anti-narcotics drive, Operation Toofan.
Asked about being appointed Kochi’s first woman police commissioner, Nishanthini said there was no distinction between men and women in the police force.
“From my experience, I work in the same way as my male counterparts. However, women and children tend to have greater trust in us. There will also be greater expectations, and we will try to live up to them,” she said.
She said strict action would be taken against those attacking police personnel and that efforts would be made to resolve traffic issues in Kochi.
“People’s cooperation is crucial for resolving traffic issues. We will try to address them,” she said.
She said she would focus on women’s safety and continue the drive against spas allegedly operating illegally and exploiting women. PTI TBA SSK
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