The Kerala government on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, removed Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh amid a mounting controversy over the alleged mishandling of a fatal road accident involving the 17-year-old son of an Additional District Judge. R. Nishanthini has been named as Mahesh's replacement, taking charge as the new Kochi City Police Commissioner.

The Cheranalloor Accident and Its Aftermath

The case centres on the death of Jayabalakrishnan, 55, a roadside eatery owner, who was killed when a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the teenager struck him on Container Road at Cheranalloor in the early hours of Sunday. Public outrage erupted after the teenager was initially booked only under provisions relating to rash driving and causing death by negligence, and was subsequently released on station bail — a move critics argued reflected preferential treatment given the accused's parentage.

The case was later strengthened, and the boy's father, who reportedly owns the vehicle, was also named as an accused. A police team conducted an inspection at the judge's flat in Aluva on Tuesday night, during which investigators examined CCTV footage and collected physical evidence.

Four Police Personnel Suspended

On Tuesday evening, the government suspended four police personnel attached to the Cheranalloor police station for alleged lapses in handling the case. Those suspended are Circle Inspector K.S. Shyam Kumar, Station House Officer V.S. Viswajith, Grade Assistant Sub-Inspector K.T. Manoj, and Senior Civil Police Officer Arun Joshi.

The suspensions followed a preliminary inquiry by ADGP P. Vijayan, who visited the accident site, reviewed police records, and met the victim's family. The action against four personnel ahead of the Commissioner's removal signals a sweeping accountability exercise rather than a token response.

Political Pressure and Assembly Debate

The Kerala Legislative Assembly is currently in session, amplifying the political significance of the controversy. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala assured the House that officials found responsible would face action — an assurance the government has now acted upon with the Commissioner's removal and the earlier suspensions.

This comes amid a broader pattern of scrutiny over how Indian police forces handle road-accident cases involving accused persons from influential families. Critics argue that the initial response at the Cheranalloor station — a light booking and swift bail — reflected systemic deference to status rather than a procedural aberration by a few officers.

Investigation Transferred to Crime Branch

The investigation has been transferred to the Crime Branch, a move aimed at insulating the probe from any local influence. The victim's family has also decided to approach the Kerala High Court seeking further accountability measures. With the Assembly in session and the High Court petition in the offing, the government remains under significant pressure to demonstrate that the law applies equally, regardless of the accused's connections.