A 55-year-old street food vendor was killed after a Mercedes-Benz driven by a 17-year-old rammed into his scooter in Kochi in the early hours of Sunday, police said.
The accused and three others who were with him inside the car were arrested and charged by the police. The incident comes just two weeks after a Mini Cooper, driven by an intoxicated 19-year-old, similarly rammed into a scooter, killing three people near Cochin International Airport.
The victim was identified as Jayabalakrishnan, who ran a street food cart in the Chittoor neighbourhood of Kochi. The family alleged that the accused was the son of an additional district judge. Jayabalakrishnan’s family said he was returning home around 2.30 am after closing his food cart when the luxury car rammed into his scooter from behind in Cheranalloor.
Jayalakshmi, the victim’s niece, said her uncle always rode his scooter at a slow pace.
He said further investigation would determine whether culpable homicide charges could be applied against the accused. “We will consult the Juvenile Justice Board before adding non-bailable sections,” he said.
