Cheranalloor accident case: Four policemen suspended after ADGP's visit

KOCHI: The Home Department has suspended four policemen for lapses in handling the Cheranalloor accident case in which a Benz car driven by a judge’s son knocked down and killed a man. The action came swiftly after ADGP P. Vijayan personally visited the spot and reviewed the case. Those suspended are CI K.S. Shyamkumar, Sub-Inspector and Station House Officer V.S. Viswajith, Grade ASI K.T. Manoj, and Senior Civil Police Officer Arun Joshi. Following the suspensions, the family of Jayabalakrishnan, a native of Chittoor, temporarily withdrew their public protest.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had assured the Assembly on Tuesday morning that strict action would be taken. He informed the House of the steps taken around 4 pm. Meanwhile, the investigation team has recorded the statements of the judge and his son and begun the legal process for an arrest.

P. Vijayan and his team reached the Cheranalloor police station around 11 am on Tuesday. After examining CCTV footage and other records, he passed on the findings to senior officers. The ADGP and his team also carried out a detailed inspection of the accident site at Cheranalloor Marapparambu on the Container Road. AIG Anuj Paliwal and several circle inspectors accompanied him.

In the afternoon, Vijayan visited Jayabalakrishnan’s home and spoke to his wife Bindu and children Bharath Shankar, Bhadra Keerthi and Bhagya Darshan. He listened to the family and promised fair and just action. Jayabalakrishnan’s brother Selvaraj said the family called off the protest after considering the assurance given by the ADGP.

The family had earlier planned to stage another dharna at the Cheranalloor station in the evening, after the Sanchayanam rites. After the ceremonies at home, Jayabalakrishnan’s ashes were immersed in the Periyar at Aluva.

‘Demands of the children are justified’

Vijayan told the media that an application had been filed in court seeking permission to arrest the judge. He noted that the demand for the judge’s arrest was not something that rested with him alone. Responding to the family’s demand for swift action, he said what is needed is favourable, precise and legally sound action. Evidence required to take the case to court on a firm footing will be collected, he added. He said some demands raised by Jayabalakrishnan’s children were reasonable, and that the report and action on them would not be delayed.