Thiruvananthapuram: In a major development in the probe into the death of noted violinist Balabhaskar, a forensic report has confirmed that driver Arjun was at the wheel during the time of the car accident that claimed the musician’s life. Arjun had earlier given contradicting statements on who was driving the car, a piece of information considered crucial to the case.
The forensic experts made the conclusion after checking the finger prints on the steering wheel and seat belt, hair on the seat and blood.
The test results from the forensic science laboratory have been handed over to the Crime Branch, which is probing the sensational case. The latest revelation would likely shed some light into the mysteries shrouding the case.
Balabhaskar, his wife and toddler daughter were returning to Thiruvananthapuram after visiting a temple in Thrissur on September 24, 2018, when their car rammed a roadside tree soon after midnight. His daughter was killed on the spot, while Balabhaskar succumbed to injuries at the hospital a few days later.
The violinist's wife Lakshmi and driver Arjun had escaped with injuries.
Arjun had initially told the police that he was at the wheel during the time of the accident. However, he changed his statement after Balabhaskar's death. His second statement was that Balabhaskar was driving the car.
When the Crime Branch took over the case, a team led by DySP Harikrishnan had questioned Arjun. He had replied that he did not remember who was at the wheel. However, Balabhaskar's wife and eyewitness Nandu had given statements that Arjun was at the wheel. But KSRTC driver Aji, who was also at the spot, said Balabhaskar was driving the car. This had caused confusion in the probe.
With the forensic results out, the confusion created by these contrasting statements have been resolved. The probe would now focus on why Arjun changed his statement. The Crime Branch would also take the confidential statements of those at a shop in Kollam, where Balabhaskar had gotten off to relax during the journey. Notices have been issued to them in this regard.
Foul play?
The family had alleged foul play in Balabhaskar's death after his friends Prakash Thamby and Vishnu were arrested in connection with a gold-smuggling case allegedly carried out via the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
The accident case, which was first probed by Mangalapuram police, was handed over to the Attingal DySP. However, the police were not able to find anything suspicious.
After Balabhaskar's father Unni complained, the case was assigned to the Crime Branch.
Accident recreated
On June 15, the Crime Branch sleuths had recreated the accident to collect scientific evidence. They ascertained the likely damages that could be incurred when the car rams a tree, and also to conclude whether a speeding car would veer off to the opposite direction and hit a tree. Employees from the car manufacturer were also present at the spot.
The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) had handed over the records to Crime Branch to prove that Balabhaskar's car was speeding on that fateful day.
Balabhaskar, his wife and daughter had started from Thrissur around 11.30 the previous night. When the car was caught by the MVD cameras in Chalakudy at 1.08 am, the speed was recorded as 94kmph. The car met with the accident at Pallipuram, near Thiruvananthapuram, around 3.45 am on September 25. The car took just 2.37 hours to cover a distance of 231 km.
