Absconding doctor taken into custody in Angamaly ‘hit-and-run’ case in Kerala

Doctor Cyriac George arrested in Kerala for hit-and-run that killed college student Jasliya Johnson, amid public protests.

A young doctor has been taken into custody by the police in an alleged ‘hit-and-run’ case in which a 19-year-old college student, Jasliya Johnson, was killed in Angamaly, Ernakulam, Kerala.

Cyriac George, a native of Athirampuzha in Kottayam, was detained on Friday from a resort at Wagamon where he was allegedly hiding following the fatal accident on February 28.

“The accused was taken into custody following information received by the Wagamon police. He will be handed over to the Angamaly police and produced before the court following due arrest procedures,” said District police Chief (Ernakulam Rural) K.S. Sudarshan.

Earlier in the day, the Angamaly police arrested the father of the prime accused for allegedly helping his son evade the police. George Mathew, a businessman, was charged under Section 249 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for “harbouring an offender”.

The arrest of Mr. Mathew and the subsequent detention of Dr. George follows mounting public pressure and protests.

On Wednesday, the students of Morning Star College, Angamaly, as well as youth wings of major political parties had staged a protest in front of the Angamaly police station demanding speedy arrest of the accused.