Kochi: A 54-year-old man died after his two-wheeler was hit by a Mercedes-Benz car allegedly driven by the 17-year-old son of an Additional Sessions Judge in the early hours of Sunday. The minor was initially released on bail but was taken into custody again after the victim’s family staged a protest, according to the latest update. "The accident occurred near Cheranelloor between 2 am and 3 am on October 25", the police said.
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A case has been registered under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (causing death by negligence).
The investigation is underway, and a decision on whether to book the boy’s father, in whose name the car is registered, will be taken later, police said.
Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the victim’s family need not worry about the course of the investigation, asserting that strict action would be taken against those who run over or kill people with their vehicles.
“It does not matter how prominent or powerful they are; they will face strict action. Killing of people in road accidents will not be tolerated,” he told reporters.
The minister said action had been taken against more than 14,000 people for drunken driving in the past few days and steps were being taken to revoke their driving licences.
“Hitting and killing people on the road with vehicles is actually murder. No one will succumb to pressure in such matters. I assure you that strict action in accordance with the law will be taken against those responsible, irrespective of their background,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the deceased man’s niece told reporters that her uncle ran a food stall to earn a living and was returning home when the accident occurred.
She alleged that the car must have been travelling at high speed, as her uncle’s scooter was badly damaged and the items he was carrying were scattered around the accident site. “He died on the spot,” she said.
The woman alleged that the judge spoke to her disrespectfully at the police station when she questioned why his minor son had been allowed to drive the car.
“We will pursue the case, especially in view of the judge’s attitude. It should also serve as a lesson to everyone not to drive a vehicle without a licence,” she said.
(With input from agencies)
