Kochi, 28 Oct (H.S.): Investigators conducted a nearly seven-hour search at the residence of an additional district judge whose 17-year-old son allegedly drove the Mercedes-Benz car that struck a scooter, killing its rider at Cheranelloor in Ernakulam.

The search at the judge’s flat in Companypady began around 9 p.m. and concluded around 4 a.m. Investigators seized a luxury motorcycle and digital evidence from the premises. They also collected CCTV footage from the apartment complex and recorded statements from its staff as part of the investigation into the fatal collision.

The victim, Jayabalakrishnan, 55, was riding his scooter when the car allegedly driven by the minor hit him in the early hours of October 25.

His family is expected to approach the Kerala High Court on Wednesday, seeking cancellation of the teenager’s bail and action against his father. The family has also demanded stringent action against a police officer who allegedly made someone delete footage of the accident from a mobile phone.

Relatives alleged that money and influential connections were being used to undermine the case. Their demands include action against both the officer allegedly involved in the deletion of the footage and the judge, as well as a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The family has temporarily suspended its protest following assurances of an investigation after intervention by the Chief Minister and authorities handling the Home portfolio.

Additional Director General of Police P. Vijayan visited Jayabalakrishnan’s residence on Tuesday and spoke to his relatives about the incident and their concerns.

The overnight search comes amid the family’s demands for accountability over the fatal crash and the alleged handling of evidence. Their proposed High Court petition would seek judicial intervention over the teenager’s bail and their demand for action against the judge, while the police investigation into the collision continues.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman