Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday met the family of Jayabalakrishnan, who was killed after a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the minor son of an Additional District and Sessions Judge hit his scooter in Kochi, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
Chennithala assured the family that justice would be ensured regardless of the social or financial position of the accused and said the law would apply equally to everyone.
advertisement
The accident occurred on October 25 when the car hit the two-wheeler, killing 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan. His family alleged a conspiracy to weaken the case after the 17-year-old accused was initially granted bail at the police station. This triggered protests and raised questions over accountability.
The minor was later taken into custody after additional charges were invoked but was subsequently granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board. His father, the judge, was also named as an accused in the case. The Kerala High Court, however, directed the police not to arrest him.
Chennithala, accompanied by Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, MLA T J Vinod and Kochi City Police Commissioner R Nishanthini, visited Jayabalakrishnan’s house and spoke to his family members in the morning.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Chennithala said the family was satisfied with the investigation and that the government was committed to ensuring justice. According to PTI, he said, “The investigation is proceeding in the right direction. The government is fully committed to this matter. The chief minister visited the family on Friday, and I have come here today. The entire government stands with the family.”
He said it was the government’s responsibility to ensure justice for ordinary people and that the law would make no distinction between the rich and the poor. “This is a poor family. Naturally, they may have difficulties and apprehensions when the accused’s father is a judge. I assure them that we will stand with them 100 per cent to ensure justice. There should be no doubt about it. Justice and law are equal for everyone, whether it is a judge or an ordinary citizen,” he said.
The minister said further proceedings involved matters before the court and that the prosecution would take strong steps to ensure justice. A Special Public Prosecutor would be appointed according to the family’s choice, he said.
“Strong action will be taken from the prosecution’s side in the further proceedings. We are taking special care to ensure that there are no lapses,” Chennithala said. He added that he would fulfil his responsibility as Home Minister to ensure that the law was applied equally to everyone.
Chennithala also said most road accidents occurred because of drunken driving and warned that strict action would be taken against those driving under the influence of alcohol to protect others.
Jayabalakrishnan’s daughter Bhadrakeerthi told PTI that the family had conveyed its demands to the Home Minister and had received an assurance that the government would support them. “We have been given assurances by both the Chief Minister and the Home Minister. We have faith in their words and are hopeful of justice,” she said.
The state government has assured Jayabalakrishnan’s family that the investigation and court proceedings will be pursued without distinction between the accused and the victim, with a Special Public Prosecutor to be appointed according to the family’s choice.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
