Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday, 30 October 2025, visited the family of Jayabalakrishnan — killed after a Mercedes-Benz car allegedly driven by a 17-year-old boy rammed into his scooter at Cheranelloor near Kochi — and assured them of the state government's full support in their fight for justice. The visit comes as the case draws sharp public attention, with fresh allegations of evidence tampering levelled against the accused minor's father, an Additional District Judge.

Family Hands Over Evidence-Tampering Complaint

During the Chief Minister's visit to the bereaved family's residence, they handed over a formal complaint alleging that the judge — the registered owner of the vehicle — had attempted to destroy crucial evidence after the crash. The family alleged that the judge and his family arrived at the accident spot in another vehicle shortly after the collision, and claimed that CCTV footage from the neighbourhood would establish this early arrival. They contended the visit was intended to interfere with evidence.

Satheesan consoled the family, reviewed the progress of the case, and reaffirmed that the government would stand by them throughout the legal proceedings.

Victim's Daughter Speaks to Media

Jayabalakrishnan's daughter, Bhadrakeerthi, told reporters that the family had shared its concerns and the difficulties it has faced in pursuing the case. She confirmed that Advocate Sreejith would continue to represent them and that the family would decide on its next course of action after the court's decision.

Court Objects to Disclosure of Minor's Identity

In a separate development on the same day, an Ernakulam sessions court took exception to the disclosure of the minor accused's identity in two bail-cancellation petitions — one filed by the state government and another by the victim's family. Additional District and Sessions Judge Kavitha Gangadharan noted that revealing the full name and residential address of a child in conflict with law violated the Juvenile Justice Act. The court directed both sides to replace his name with an anonymised designation in the cause titles and ordered that no identifying details be disclosed during proceedings. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on Saturday.

Investigation and Forensic Findings

The investigation has established that the Mercedes was travelling at over 104 kmph at the time of the accident. Investigators are currently attempting to retrieve deleted data from the teenager's mobile phone, which has been sent for forensic examination. Police suspect that information from his social media accounts, including Instagram, was deleted after the crash.

The teenager had earlier been granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board. Police have also registered a case against the judge under the Motor Vehicles Act for allegedly permitting his minor son to drive the vehicle.

High Court Stays Judge's Arrest

The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed the arrest of the Additional District Judge, who has been booked as the second accused in the case. The stay adds a layer of legal complexity to what is already a high-profile matter involving the judiciary, a minor, and allegations of institutional pressure on the investigation. With the case now before the sessions court and a forensic examination underway, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining accountability.