Thiruvananthapuram (Keralam) | Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Monday admitted to lapses on the part of the police in the case related to the death of a street food vendor after a Mercedes-Benz driven by a judge's minor son hit him in Kochi, and said the government would take strong action, including against the boy's father if required.
Replying to a submission by Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan in the Assembly, Chennithala said the incident, which occurred within the Cheranalloor police station limits in Ernakulam district, was tragic and the initial police response was inadequate.
The victim, who ran a roadside food stall, was returning home with groceries after closing his shop when the vehicle hit him.
He died while being taken to hospital.
"The initial action taken by the Cheranalloor police was not correct," Chennithala said, adding that he had contacted the city police commissioner and the Director General of Police after learning about the incident.
He said the police should have initially invoked the appropriate provisions, including culpable homicide, and that he had directed the DGP to review the case.
The DGP, ADGP of the law and order wing, subsequently intervened, following which the relevant charge was added, he said.
The minister said the juvenile was produced again before the Juvenile Justice Board after the additional charge was included, but was granted bail.
He said he had directed the police to initiate steps to cancel the bail.
Chennithala said the vehicle was reportedly registered in the name of the judge and warned that action would be taken against the father if warranted by the investigation.
"If the vehicle is in the judge's name, a case will have to be registered against him if necessary," he said, assuring the House that no one would be allowed to escape accountability.
"Justice is the same for everyone. There is no distinction between the rich and the poor," the minister said, adding that the government viewed the incident seriously and would ensure a fair investigation.
Vijayan had referred to an earlier accident in Nedumbassery in which a Mini Cooper car allegedly driven by a 19-year-old killed three young people.
He said the recurrence of such incidents, along with alleged attempts by the minor's father to intervene, was a matter of serious concern and urged the government to examine the case closely.
Chennithala said he fully agreed with the LoP's concerns and assured the Assembly that the police would proceed with strong action.
