Kaliraj Mahesh’s tenure ended abruptly when the Kerala Home Department announced his dismissal on May 12, 2026, after mounting pressure over the mishandling of a hit‑and‑run case involving a 17‑year‑old son of an additional district judge.
The incident, which occurred on a rain‑slick road in Kochi, saw a 2012 turbo‑diesel Mercedes‑Benz collide with a scooter, killing 55‑year‑old vendor Jayabalakrishnan. The teenager, who had been filming a high‑speed reel, was initially charged with rash driving.
Family members allege that the judge’s son’s footage was deleted from his phone and that the case was tampered with. Four officers were suspended after a senior inspector inspected the scene and met with the victim’s relatives, prompting local protests.
Commissioner Mahesh has been replaced by R Nishanthini. The probe has been transferred to the Crime Branch, and the court has been notified to take up the case.