A 55-year-old man was killed after a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the 17-year-old son of a judge hit his scooter from behind in the early hours of Sunday, police said.
The victim, identified as Jayabalakrishnan, was returning home after working at a food stall when the accident occurred between 2 am and 3 am. He died at the scene.
According to reports, the Mercedes-Benz was registered in the name of the judicial officer. The teenager was taken into police custody following the accident.
Police said preliminary findings did not indicate that the teenager had consumed alcohol. However, blood samples have been collected for analysis as part of the investigation.
The case involves allegations of reckless driving and negligence causing death. The investigation is under way.
A video recorded at the accident site showed extensive damage to the front of the Mercedes-Benz, while the victim’s scooter and belongings were scattered across the road.
The victim’s niece told reporters that her uncle had been returning from work when the collision occurred. She alleged that the car was travelling at high speed and said the impact had scattered the scooter and other belongings across the road.
She also expressed concern over the teenager allegedly driving without a licence. According to her, the victim’s family had raised questions at the police station about how a minor was allowed to drive the vehicle. She further alleged that the teenager’s father had spoken to her in a demeaning manner when she questioned him.
The family has called for accountability, while police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.