K.M. Basheer Death Case: Auto Driver Testifies IAS Officer Sriram Venkataraman Was Driving; Victim’s Wife Moves Kerala High Court
The trial in the 2019 road accident case that claimed the life of Siraj journalist K.M. Basheer took a significant turn after a key eyewitness testified before a Kerala court, alleging that IAS officer Sriram Venkataraman was driving the vehicle involved in the fatal crash and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
The testimony was recorded before the Additional District and Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram, where the criminal trial against the 2013-batch IAS officer is currently in progress. At the same time, a parallel legal battle has unfolded in the Kerala High Court, where Basheer’s wife has challenged the transfer of the trial to another sessions court and sought the appointment of a more experienced public prosecutor to conduct the prosecution.
The case, which has remained one of Kerala’s most closely watched legal proceedings involving a senior civil servant, continues to attract public attention nearly seven years after the accident that resulted in the death of the journalist.
Key Eyewitness Recounts Events Before the Crash
A crucial development came during the examination of the prosecution’s fifth witness, Manikandan, an autorickshaw driver who was present near the accident site on the night of the incident.
Appearing before the court, Manikandan stated that he noticed a car approaching at what he described as an unusually high speed while it was negotiating the Vellayambalam roundabout. According to his testimony, the vehicle was being driven in a reckless manner, prompting him to halt his autorickshaw out of concern for his own safety.
The witness told the court that the speeding car overtook his autorickshaw before racing towards the Public Office area, where the collision involving journalist K.M. Basheer took place shortly thereafter.
Witness Identifies IAS Officer as Driver
During his deposition, Manikandan identified IAS officer Sriram Venkataraman as the person driving the vehicle involved in the accident. He further testified that after the collision, when the driver stepped out of the car, he believed the officer appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
The statement forms part of the evidence currently being examined by the trial court and will be assessed along with the remaining prosecution and defence evidence during the proceedings.
Sriram Venkataraman remains the sole accused in the case arising from the fatal accident that occurred in the early hours of August 3, 2019, when journalist K.M. Basheer’s motorcycle was struck by the vehicle allegedly driven by the IAS officer. The trial court will ultimately determine the evidentiary value of the witness testimony after considering the complete record placed before it.
Trial to Continue as More Witnesses Remain
The prosecution informed the sessions court that the examination of witnesses is still underway and several important witnesses are yet to testify. According to the prosecution, summons could not be served on the second, third and fourth witnesses because they are presently residing outside India. As a result, their examination has been delayed.
The court is expected to continue recording evidence during the upcoming hearings as the prosecution seeks to complete the testimony of its remaining witnesses. Given the number of witnesses cited in the case, the trial is likely to continue over multiple hearings before entering the final stages.
Victim’s Wife Moves Kerala High Court
While proceedings continue before the trial court, the victim’s wife, Jaseela C., has approached the Kerala High Court seeking judicial intervention regarding the conduct of the trial.
In her petition, she has challenged the administrative decision transferring the case from the Additional District and Sessions Court-I to the Additional District and Sessions Court-IV in Thiruvananthapuram.
According to the plea, the transfer order was passed by the District and Sessions Judge after senior counsel representing the accused reportedly informed the court that he faced difficulty climbing the stairs to Court-I because the court building does not have a lift.
Jaseela has questioned the justification for shifting such a sensitive criminal trial on that ground, arguing that procedural decisions should primarily serve the interests of justice rather than the convenience of individual participants.
Demand for Appointment of Senior Public Prosecutor
Apart from challenging the transfer of the case, the petition also raises concerns regarding the prosecution’s preparedness to conduct a complex criminal trial. According to Jaseela, the prosecutor presently handling the matter was appointed only in 2023 and does not possess sufficient experience to conduct a lengthy sessions trial involving close to 100 witnesses, numerous documentary records and substantial technical evidence.
She has requested the High Court to direct the Kerala Government to appoint a senior public prosecutor with proven experience in conducting major criminal trials. The petition argues that given the nature of the case and the public interest involved, experienced prosecution is essential to ensure that all evidence is presented effectively before the court.
Concerns Raised Over Fair Trial
In her petition, Jaseela has also expressed apprehension regarding the fairness of the proceedings. She pointed out that the accused continues to hold office as a serving IAS officer and remains an influential public servant.
According to her submissions before the High Court, the prosecution should be equipped with adequate experience and resources to ensure that the trial is conducted fairly and without any perception of imbalance.
The plea argues that unless suitable safeguards are in place, including the appointment of an experienced public prosecutor, public confidence in the judicial process could be affected. These concerns have been placed before the High Court for consideration and remain subject to judicial examination.
A Case That Continues to Draw Public Attention
The death of journalist K.M. Basheer in August 2019 generated widespread attention across Kerala and the country, with journalists’ organisations, civil society groups and legal observers closely following developments ever since.
As the criminal trial progresses, the latest eyewitness testimony and the fresh proceedings before the Kerala High Court have added new dimensions to a case that has remained under intense public scrutiny for several years.
The sessions court will continue recording evidence from the remaining witnesses, while the Kerala High Court is expected to hear Jaseela’s plea challenging the transfer of the trial and seeking the appointment of a senior public prosecutor.
Both proceedings are likely to play an important role in shaping the future course of this high-profile case, whose final outcome will ultimately depend on the evidence assessed by the courts in accordance with law.
