Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala warns of crackdown on intoxicated driving

Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala

Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has warned of a strict police crackdown on driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

He was speaking to the media on Saturday (October 31, 2026) after visiting the family of Jayabalakrishnan, who was mowed down by a speeding car allegedly driven by the minor son of an additional judge, at Cheranalloor near Kochi.

Mr. Chennithala said that accidents caused by intoxicated drivers, claiming the lives of innocent people, have become widespread in the State. This cannot be allowed, he said, urging people to cooperate and not complain later.

Asked about making the law more stringent in the wake of the Cheranalloor crash, the Minister said the government would consider it seriously. He added that the State government was committed to ensuring justice for the family of the victim.

“The government will remain firmly with the family and ensure that justice is delivered. Law and justice are the same for all, whether it is a judge or a common man. The police have already moved the court to cancel the bail of the minor accused. The family is satisfied with the action taken by the government,” said Mr. Chennithala, who, however, downplayed the error in the appeal filed for suspension of bail.

The Ernakulam Additional District and Sessions Court, which tries cases involving atrocities against women and children, criticised the appeal application for revealing details identifying the minor. The court is set to hear the appeal later on Saturday.

Jayabalakrishnan’s daughter, Bhadra Keerthy, expressed confidence in the assurances given by both the Chief Minister and the Home Minister. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had visited the family on Friday (October 30, 2026).

Mr. Chennithala was accompanied by Hibi Eden, MP, T. J. Vinod, MLA, and District Police Chief (Kochi City) R. Nishanthini.