Kochi: A 55-year-old scooter rider was killed after a Mercedes car allegedly hit his vehicle from behind in Kochi, Kerala, late on Saturday night. Police said the car was being driven by the 17-year-old son of an additional sessions judge and was registered in the judge’s name.
The accident occurred between 2 am and 3 am. A video from the scene showed severe damage to the front of the Mercedes.
The victim was identified as Jaibalakrishnan, who had run a roadside food stall with his wife, Manju, for around 30 years. The couple travelled approximately 20 km each day to reach their stall, where they mainly sold vegetarian food, including dosas.
According to reports, Jaibalakrishnan had closed his stall near Chittoor temple on Saturday night and was returning home alone when the accident occurred. His wife had been taking a week off work while receiving treatment for varicose veins.
The victim’s family alleged that when they questioned at the police station why a minor had been allowed to drive the car, the judge spoke to them in a disrespectful manner. The allegation has not been independently verified.
