A 17-year-old boy, the son of Additional District Judge Reno Francis Xavier, allegedly rammed his father’s Mercedes-Benz into a scooter on Container Road near Maraparambu in Cheranalloor, Kochi, around 2:20 am on October 25, killing the rider, Jayabalakrishnan, 55.
Name & shame in the Kerala Judge’s teenager Mercedes death case:
Judge father: Reno Xavier
Juvenile Board Officer who granted quick bail: Rohit Nandakumar
Policemen: CI Shyam, SHO Vishwajith, CPO Arun & ASI Manoj https://t.co/cu4vr8UsCw
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) October 27, 2026
As reported in NDTV, Jayabalakrishnan, who ran a roadside eatery, was returning home after closing his shop when the car allegedly hit his scooter from behind. He died at the scene.
The Mercedes-Benz was registered in the name of Reno Francis Xavier, who is posted at the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district.
Police initially registered a case under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to rash driving and causing death by negligence. The teenager was initially released on station bail, triggering protests by the victim’s family.
Following further investigation and public outrage, police added Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which provides for liability of a vehicle owner or guardian in certain offences involving juveniles. A case was registered against the judge in his capacity as the vehicle’s registered owner.
The case has since drawn scrutiny over the police response. Four police personnel were suspended following allegations of lapses in handling the investigation.
Victim’s Family Alleges Intimidation, Evidence Tampering
Jayabalakrishnan’s family has alleged that the judge behaved aggressively towards them when they questioned how his minor son had been allowed to drive without a licence.
The family also alleged that police personnel forced the victim’s brother to delete photographs of the Mercedes-Benz from his mobile phone. They have raised concerns that the initial FIR failed to record crucial details and that the judge’s position could influence the investigation.
These allegations have intensified demands for accountability. The family has said it will pursue legal action to ensure that everyone responsible is held accountable.
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