Kochi Hit-and-Run: Judge’s Son Allegedly Posted Mercedes Driving Reels at 200 Kmph Before Fatal Crash

Kerala Police have added Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to the FIR after a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the 17-year-old son of a serving judge rammed into a scooter in Kochi, killing a street food vendor. The case has triggered questions over the teenager’s release on bail, allegations of a cover-up and claims that digital evidence was deleted after the crash.

The teenager reportedly told police that he had taken the luxury car out for the first time and learnt to drive by watching YouTube videos. However, checks of his social media activity and accounts from police sources reportedly contradicted his claim, with videos allegedly showing him driving the same Mercedes-Benz at speeds of up to 200 kmph.

Instagram Reels Allegedly Showed High-Speed Driving

Before the crash, the minor reportedly operated a public Instagram account with more than 2,500 followers, where he regularly posted driving reels. Several videos allegedly showed the Mercedes-Benz being driven at speeds of up to 200 kmph, according to the report.

Within hours of the fatal accident on Sunday morning, the posts were deleted and the account was switched to private.

Police said the car was travelling at 104 kmph when the collision occurred at around 2.20 am on Sunday. The teenager was detained and released on bail within minutes, prompting protests by the victim’s family, who have alleged that the case is being mishandled and digital evidence tampered with.

Street Food Vendor Was Returning Home From Work

The victim was the sole breadwinner of his family and had run a small street food business for around 30 years to support his family and educate his three children.

He was returning home after finishing work when the Mercedes-Benz allegedly struck his scooter along his regular route. He died at the spot.

His children have questioned how the teenager gained access to the vehicle and demanded accountability from both the police and the judge, who is the registered owner of the Mercedes-Benz.

Family Alleges Four People Were in the Car

The victim’s daughter and son have alleged that the judge and police acted together to shield the minor and suppress information about three other people who were allegedly in the car at the time of the crash.

Speaking to the local media, one of the victim’s children said an eyewitness had privately told the family that four people were in the car. According to the account, three allegedly fled after the collision and a Toyota Fortuner arrived at the scene.

The family member claimed the eyewitness was afraid to speak publicly because of the judge and the police.

These allegations have not been independently established in the information available, and senior police officers have yet to address the claims in a press briefing.

Questions Over Bail and the Judge’s Role

The victim’s daughter has questioned how the teenager was granted bail twice in quick succession — first at the police station after his father reportedly arrived within 45 minutes of the crash, and later before a magistrate following a late-night protest by the family.

She also alleged that when the family confronted the judge about his son’s access to the car keys, he told them not to question him about the matter.

The daughter has demanded that the judge, as the registered owner of the Mercedes-Benz, be named as an accused in the FIR. Her demand is an allegation by the family and does not establish criminal liability.

Family Seeks Justice as Police Face Questions

The incident has deeply affected the victim’s daughter, a former National Cadet Corps cadet who had hoped to join the police force. As per local reports, she expressed anger over the handling of the case and said the family was discussing its next legal steps with relatives, including submitting a representation to the Chief Minister.

The family has vowed to pursue justice and said it would continue seeking answers despite any attempts to conceal the truth.

Senior police officers are yet to publicly address the deleted Instagram reels or the eyewitness account concerning the alleged presence of other occupants in the car.