Took Mercedes out without parents' knowledge: Keralam teen confesses in crash case
A 17-year-old boy, accused of fatally running over a scooterist with a Mercedes-Benz in Keralam's Kochi, has told police that he took the luxury car out without his parents' knowledge, sources said on Friday.
The teenager, whose father is a District and Sessions Judge, made the admission in a fresh statement recorded by the District Crime Branch team probing the October 25 accident at Cheranalloor, which claimed the life of 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan.
The boy also admitted to having driven cars and bikes on earlier occasions, including riding motorcycles to his educational institution, sources told news agency PTI. However, he maintained that his parents were unaware of his driving skills and that he had taken the Mercedes-Benz without informing them.
The police recorded his statement afresh after approaching the court for permission to question him separately, without his father's presence. The exercise was part of preparing a social background report on the juvenile for submission before the court dealing with cases involving children in conflict with the law.
The case had triggered a major controversy after the victim's family alleged attempts to shield the teenager and avoid implicating his father, a serving judicial officer. Stricter provisions were invoked against the minor, while a case was registered against his father only after public outrage. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had also acknowledged lapses on the part of the police.
Jayabalakrishnan, a resident of Cheranalloor, was returning home on his scooter from his shop when the Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the teenager hit him on Container Road at Marapparambu in the early hours of October 25.
The teenager was initially granted bail by the police and subsequently by the Juvenile Justice Board. Both the police and Jayabalakrishnan's family challenged the bail before the Additional District and Sessions Court. However, the court rejected their pleas and criticised the police for failing to follow the prescribed procedures in a case involving a juvenile.
Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court granted anticipatory bail to the teenager's father, an Additional District and Sessions Judge posted in Thrissur, in connection with the accident.MINISTER CALLS FOR STRICT ACTION AGAINST PARENTS
Amid growing concerns over minors driving high-end vehicles in Keralam, Transport Minister CP John has called for strict action against parents who allow their children to drive, saying those unable to prevent such behaviour should consider selling their vehicles.
"Parents should not hand over vehicle keys to their children. Parents who cannot control them should sell their vehicles. There is no need for vehicles in the homes of such people," John told reporters on Tuesday.
He argued that parents, rather than minors alone, should be held accountable for such incidents, as they were responsible for providing children access to vehicles. Merely advising 16- and 17-year-olds against driving would have little impact, he said, stressing that parents must ensure their vehicles are not available for their children's use.
Apparently referring to the Cheranalloor Mercedes-Benz accident, the minister said cases had been registered even against influential people in connection with such incidents. He added that the Home Minister had already made it clear that there would be no leniency in dealing with the issue.
Apart from the Mercedes crash, another accident happened in Kohci Nedumbassery involving a 19-year-old, in which a Mini Cooper were reportedly involved.- Ends
