Kochi, 30 Oct (H.S.): Outgoing Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar on Friday denied that judicial pressure or outside influence had affected the investigation into the fatal Cheranalloor car crash allegedly involving the teenage son of an Additional Sessions Judge.

Speaking to reporters before handing over charge to IG R. Nishanthini, Kumar said neither the judge nor anyone else had contacted him seeking to influence the investigation or dilute the charges.

“The Judge has never called me. No one else has called me either,” he said, responding to allegations raised during television debates and public discussions.

Kumar maintained that investigators had proceeded entirely on the basis of evidence. He said he wanted to clarify his position before relinquishing office, as he would not have another opportunity to address the controversy in his capacity as commissioner.

Rejecting suggestions of interference, he said nobody had approached him with instructions on how the case should be handled. Even if an unlawful request had been made, he would not have entertained it, he added.

Asked about his transfer amid the controversy, Kumar described it as a routine feature of police service. “We are government servants. Transfer is part of our life,” he said.

The crash occurred around 2.20 am on October 25 on Container Road in Cheranalloor. A Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the 17-year-old struck a scooter from behind, fatally injuring its rider, Jayabalakrishnan, 55, a roadside eatery owner from Chittoor who was returning home.

The initial police response drew criticism after the case was registered under relatively less stringent provisions concerning rash driving and negligence. The teenager was subsequently granted station bail.

Jayabalakrishnan’s family protested outside the Cheranalloor police station, questioning the handling of the investigation and evidence, as well as the conduct of the officers involved. The case has since drawn public scrutiny.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman