Took Mercedes out without parents' knowledge: Keralam teen confesses in crash case

The teenager admitted to driving cars and motorcycles earlier, including to his educational institution, but claimed his parents were unaware of his driving and that he had taken the Mercedes without their knowledge.The police recorded his statement again after approaching the court for permission to question him separately, without his father's presence. Kochi,Nov 13, 2026 14:57 ISTA 17-year-old boy, accused of fatally running over a scooterist with a Mercedes-Benz in Keralam's Kochi, has told police that he took the luxury car out without his parents' knowledge, sources said on Friday.According to news agency Press Trust of India, the teenager, whose father is a District Judge, made the admission in a fresh statement recorded by the District Crime Branch team probing the October 25 accident at Cheranalloor, which claimed the life of Jayabalakrishnan (55).Sources said the boy also admitted to having driven cars and motorcycles on earlier occasions, including riding motorcycles to his educational institution. However, he maintained that his parents were unaware that he knew how to drive and that he had taken the Mercedes without informing them. The police recorded his statement again after approaching the court for permission to question him separately, without his father's presence. The exercise was part of preparing a social background report on the juvenile for submission before the court dealing with cases involving children in conflict with the law. Jayabalakrishnan was returning home on his scooter from his shop when the Mercedes allegedly driven by the teenager hit him.The 17-year-old was initially granted bail by the police and later by the Juvenile Justice Board. The police and Jayabalakrishnan's family challenged the bail before the Additional District and Sessions Court.However, the court rejected their plea and criticised the police for failing to follow the prescribed procedures in a case involving a juvenile.Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court granted anticipatory bail to the teenager's father, an Additional District and Sessions Judge posted in Thrissur, in connection with the case.- Ends