Cheranalloor accident case: Action against 17 social media accounts for exposing minor's identity

KOCHI: Police registered a case against individuals who circulated the personal details of a 17-year-old accused in the Cheranalloor vehicle accident case. The Ernakulam Cyber ​​Police initiated action against 17 social media user accounts. This step was taken following a directive from the court.

The Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court had previously criticised the investigating officer regarding social media users exposing the details of the 17-year-old and even questioned their lack of action. The court’s criticism came during the hearing of a petition seeking the cancellation of the 17-year-old's bail.

Meanwhile, the police submitted a report to the court opposing the anticipatory bail plea filed by an Additional District Judge—the father of the 17-year-old accused. The report notes that the Judge wields significant influence and that there is a possibility he might destroy evidence. The hearing on the bail plea was adjourned to the 5th of this month.

A new charge has been invoked against the Additional Judge, whose 17-year-old son was involved in a fatal incident in Cheranalloor that killed a roadside food stall owner. Section 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—pertaining to the destruction of evidence—was added to the case. Previously, a case was registered against the judge under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Bhadra Keerthi, the daughter of the victim Jayabalakrishnan, had filed a complaint with the City Police Commissioner alleging that the 'Judge' official board was removed from the car immediately after the accident and that the judge had attempted to influence officials at the police station. The family also demanded a separate investigation into the judge for the destruction of evidence.