Senior IPS officer Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, recently transferred from the post of Kochi City Police Commissioner, said on Friday, 30 October 2025 that neither the Additional District Judge at the centre of the Cheranelloor Mercedes-Benz accident case nor anyone else had approached him regarding the fatal crash. The statement comes days after the incident triggered a major controversy over alleged preferential treatment in the police handling of the case.

What Kaliraj Said

Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar maintained that he had not interfered in the investigation or in any of the subsequent legal proceedings connected to the case. He also clarified that he had no role in how the case was handled on the ground. On the transfer itself, he described it as a routine feature of government service and said he had accepted the order wholeheartedly. Notably, he said higher authorities had not communicated any specific reason for the move.

The Cheranelloor Accident: What Happened

The incident occurred at approximately 2.20 am on 25 October on Container Road at Cheranelloor, near Kochi. A Mercedes-Benz car, allegedly driven by the 17-year-old son of an Additional District Judge, struck a scooter ridden by Jayabalakrishnan, 55, a native of Manjali, who died at the scene. The victim was reportedly returning home after shutting his roadside eatery near Chittoor temple.

Controversy Over Police Handling

The case drew widespread criticism after the teenager was initially released on station bail following his detention. Amid mounting public pressure, he was taken back into custody, though the Juvenile Justice Board subsequently granted him bail. The boy's father — an Additional District Judge posted at the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal in Irinjalakuda — was also named as an accused. The Kerala High Court later stayed his arrest while directing him to cooperate with the investigation. The victim's family also raised concerns over the police response, and the investigation came under scrutiny over allegations of influence and preferential treatment.

Kaliraj's Record and Silence on Allegations

Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar had built a reputation in Kochi for decisive action against criminal gangs and drug networks during his tenure as city police commissioner. Despite the charged atmosphere surrounding the case and his transfer, he refrained from making any allegations against any individual. His restrained public posture contrasts sharply with the controversy swirling around the investigation he oversaw.

What Happens Next

The investigation into the Cheranelloor accident continues under scrutiny, with the Kerala High Court monitoring the accused judge's cooperation with investigators. The case has reignited a broader debate in Kerala about accountability and equal treatment under the law when accused persons hold positions of institutional power.