A 19-year-old college student, Jaslia Johnson, died following a hit-and-run accident in Angamaly, Kerala, after being struck by a car allegedly driven by a house surgeon who reportedly failed to stop after the collision. The incident has drawn widespread public attention, particularly due to delays in the arrest of the accused and the subsequent protests demanding action.
Jaslia, a second-year Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) student at Morning Star College in Angamaly, was hit by a car on the evening of February 28, around 7:30 pm, near her college, while returning to her hostel after work.
According to police investigations, the vehicle involved was allegedly driven by Dr. Cyriac P George, a house surgeon and student at Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences (SNIMS), Ernakulam.
Following the collision, Jaslia suffered severe head injuries and was initially taken to a nearby hospital before being transferred to private Hospital in Aluva for specialized treatment. Despite medical efforts, she never regained consciousness.
Doctors later confirmed brain death, and she passed away on March 3rd the following day during treatment.
In a decision that has been widely noted, Jaslia’s parents consented to organ donation, allowing several patients to receive life-saving transplants. Her liver, kidneys, and corneas were donated, helping four individuals receive transplants through the coordination of the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organisation (K-SOTTO).
Organ donation after brain death is a medically recognized process in which organs are transplanted from a patient whose brain functions have irreversibly ceased but whose organs remain viable through life support.
Jaslia was originally from Edavanakkad in Kochi and was known among teachers and classmates for balancing academic responsibilities with part-time work.
She worked at a Domino’s Pizza outlet in Angamaly while pursuing her degree in order to support herself and assist her family financially.
Police identified Dr. Cyriac P George as the suspected driver of the vehicle involved in the crash. The car was reportedly registered in the name of his father.
Authorities state that the accused did not stop after hitting the victim and has since been in hiding. Several search operations were carried out at locations associated with him, including his residence and places where he was believed to be staying.
The Ernakulam Rural Police have:
Registered non-bailable charges, including culpable homicide.
Recovered the SUV involved in the accident.
Formed a special investigation team led by the Aluva Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Initiated a lookout notice at airports and transit hubs to prevent the accused from leaving the country.
Despite these measures, the accused had not been arrested several days after the incident, prompting criticism from sections of the public.
The delay in apprehending the accused has triggered public protests in Angamaly, particularly among Jaslia’s classmates and student groups.
Students and local residents gathered outside the Angamaly Police Station, demanding swift action in the investigation. Some protesters also raised concerns about the pace of the probe, citing that the driver and vehicle had already been identified.
Police officials, however, stated that the investigation is ongoing and that efforts are being made to locate and arrest the accused.
(Rh)
