Kochi Mercedes-Benz Crash: Victim's Wife Seeks Impleadment in Plea to Cancel Minor's Bail
The wife of Jayabalakrishnan, who died in a fatal road accident in Cheranalloor, Kochi, has approached the Sessions Court seeking permission to join the Kerala Government's proceedings for cancellation of bail granted to the 17-year-old accused.
The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Ernakulam, granted bail to the minor on October 26, 2026. The State subsequently moved the court seeking cancellation of the bail.
When the State's plea came up for consideration on October 28, Additional District Judge Kavitha Gangadharan called for the records of the case from the Juvenile Justice Board and issued notice to the minor, described in the proceedings as a Child in Conflict with Law. The court listed the matter and the victim's wife's impleadment application for consideration on October 30, 2026.
According to the First Information Report registered by Cheranalloor police, the Mercedes-Benz allegedly collided with the scooter ridden by 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan during the early hours of October 25, 2026, while he was returning home. He later died following the incident.
The case was initially registered under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, relating to rash driving on a public way and causing death by negligence. The vehicle's registered owner, the minor's father, has also reportedly been arrayed as an accused under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which deals with offences by juveniles.
The court's latest action is procedural. The notice and calling for records do not amount to a decision cancelling bail. The court is yet to consider the State's plea and the victim's wife's request to be impleaded.
Source: LiveLaw, October 28, 2026.