Kerala High Court directs CBI to conduct further probe into death of violinist Balabhaskar

The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a further probe into an accident on the NH 66, near CRPF camp, Pallipuram, Thiruvananthapuram, in 2018 which killed violinist Balabhaskar and his 18-month-old daughter and injured his wife.

It has set aside an order passed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Thiruvananthapuram, in 2025 that had declined further investigation into the accident. The vehicle in which Balabhaskar and his family were travelling, driven by Arjun K. Narayanan (who reportedly had criminal antecedents), had rammed a tree at reportedly 94 kmph speed.

A Bench of Justice G. Girish on Friday directed the CBI to pass necessary orders within two weeks entrusting the further investigation in the case with an officer of proven integrity, not below the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police. The court was hearing a plea by Balabhaskar’s parents, K.C. Unni and B. Santhakumari, challenging the magistrate court order.

CBI’s attitude