Kochi: Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, a 2005-batch senior IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, has denied allegations of external interference in the investigation into the fatal Cheranalloor car crash, asserting that neither the judge whose 17-year-old son was allegedly driving the vehicle nor anyone connected to the accused had contacted him.
Speaking to the media on Friday, October 30, before handing over charge as Kochi City Police Commissioner, Kumar also dismissed suggestions that his recent transfer was linked to the investigation or alleged police lapses.
“Nobody from outside has spoken to me regarding the case. The judge has never spoken to me. I’m not somebody who would yield to illegal requests,” he said.
The officer’s clarification comes amid controversy over the handling of the accident, which claimed the life of a 55-year-old scooter rider and led to disciplinary action against four police personnel attached to Cheranalloor Police Station.
IPS Officer Denies Judicial Pressure in Cheranalloor Accident Case
Addressing reports that an Additional Sessions Judge, whose 17-year-old son is the accused in the case, had contacted him, Kumar categorically denied receiving any such call.
He maintained that the investigation had proceeded on the basis of available evidence from the beginning and that no external person had attempted to influence the proceedings.
The outgoing commissioner said he wanted to clarify his position publicly because he might not get another opportunity to address the allegations after relinquishing charge.
He also rejected suggestions that he had intervened to dilute the charges against the teenage accused.
Why Was Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar Transferred?
The Kerala government transferred Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar from the post of Kochi City Police Commissioner on October 28, amid allegations of lapses in the handling of the Cheranalloor accident investigation.
The decision followed the suspension of four police personnel attached to Cheranalloor Police Station after an inspection and report submitted by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) P. Vijayan (IPS: 1999: KL).
The suspended personnel included the Station House Officer, Sub-Inspector, Circle Inspector and other station staff.
The investigation had attracted criticism, particularly over the initial registration of the case under relatively less serious provisions and the decision to release the teenage accused on station bail.
Asked about his transfer, Kumar described it as a routine aspect of government service.
“Transfer is part of a government officer’s life,” he said, adding that the investigation and his transfer were unrelated.
How the Cheranalloor Mercedes Crash Killed a 55-Year-Old Man
The incident occurred in the early hours of October 25 on Container Road at Cheranalloor, near Kochi.
Jayabalakrishnan, a 55-year-old man from the Chittur area, was riding his scooter when a luxury Mercedes-Benz car allegedly driven by a 17-year-old boy rammed into it from behind.
The collision proved fatal, triggering questions over the circumstances of the accident and the police response.
The teenager was initially released on station bail after a case was registered under provisions relating to causing death by negligence.
However, following protests by the victim’s family and criticism of the police investigation, the case was subsequently strengthened.
The police later invoked Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The vehicle’s registered owner, the teenager’s father, an Additional Sessions Judge, was also booked under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Four Police Personnel Suspended After ADGP Inquiry
The Kerala Police administration initiated disciplinary action following an examination of the circumstances surrounding the accident and the initial investigation.
ADGP P. Vijayan submitted a report highlighting procedural lapses in the handling of the case, following which four personnel attached to Cheranalloor Police Station were suspended.
The controversy also drew attention at the state government level, with concerns raised over the initial handling of the case and the charges invoked against the minor.
Meanwhile, R. Nishanthini, an IPS officer of the 2008 batch, took charge as the new Kochi City Police Commissioner, succeeding Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar.
The outgoing officer’s clarification has brought his position on the allegations into the public domain, while questions surrounding the initial police response and investigation into the fatal crash remain central to the case.
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