Kochi: The last time Shiji Justin saw Jasliya Johnson, the 19-year-old girl who died after a hit-and-run accident in Angamaly, was when she stood at the gate of her house in Edavanakkad, smiling and waving goodbye.
A Life Cut Short
The encounter occurred on a Saturday afternoon two weeks ago. Jasliya had visited her childhood friend, Jyotsna CJ, and the two had known each other since studying together at SDPY KPM Higher Secondary School in Edavanakkad. Even after Jasliya began studying at Angamaly Morning Star College, she continued to visit when she returned home.
Shiji Justin recalled that Jasliya typically stayed until dusk, and on this particular evening, they were chatting and laughing. As it grew dark, Shiji reminded Jasliya that the path home was narrow and unlit. Jasliya reassured her, saying, “Don’t worry aunty. I will be fine,” before leaving. That was the last time Shiji saw her, and Jyotsna is still struggling to cope with the loss.
On Wednesday afternoon, residents of Edavanakkad and Angamaly gathered to mourn Jasliya. She was laid to rest at St. Augustine’s Church cemetery in Kuzhippilly.
Those who knew her remember Jasliya not only as a victim of a tragic accident, but as a determined daughter, a university-level Kho-Kho player, and a young woman who balanced her studies with a part-time job at a Domino’s Pizza outlet in Angamaly to help support her family.
The Accident and Aftermath
On February 28, around 7:30 pm, Jasliya was struck by a speeding car whereas walking back to her hostel near Morning Star College, close to the TELK Junction curve on National Highway 544. CCTV footage showed the impact, and the driver did not stop. She was rushed to a hospital but never regained consciousness.
Her Head of Department at Morning Star College, Matilda, remembered Jasliya’s ambition and concern for her family. Matilda recalled Jasliya saying she wanted to enroll her mother in a degree program and support her father and brother. Matilda also highlighted the dangers students face walking along the highway, noting that vehicles frequently hit the campus walls.
Neighbors in Edavanakkad described Jasliya as cheerful and active in the community. Ward member Sheeba Roy said she was ambitious and wanted to secure a good job to help her parents, who had worked hard to build their home with bank loans.
Jasliya was declared brain-dead on March 3 at Rajagiri Hospital, and her parents, Johnson and Lima, consented to organ donation. The organs, coordinated by K-SOTTO, were used to save four lives.
Calls for Justice
Public anger over the delay in arresting the driver led to protests outside the Angamaly Police Station on Wednesday. Protesters, including Jasliya’s classmates and members of the Youth Congress, demanded transparency and swift action, alleging that the accused was receiving preferential treatment due to his influential background.
Police stated that the vehicle involved, belonging to George Thomas of Athirampuzha, had been located in Thuravoor on Monday. Investigation revealed the car was allegedly driven by Dr. Cyriac, George Thomas’s son and a house surgeon at a private medical college in Ernakulam. Police said the vehicle was found abandoned and the accused was absconding, but would be arrested soon.
The fact that the driver was a doctor has intensified public outrage, with many questioning how someone entrusted with saving lives could allegedly flee the scene of an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the accident occur?
The accident occurred on February 28 around 7:30 pm.
Where was Jasliya laid to rest?
Jasliya was laid to rest at St. Augustine’s Church cemetery in Kuzhippilly.
What happened to Jasliya’s organs after her death?
Her organs were donated and saved four lives: her liver was transplanted at Rajagiri Hospital, her kidneys went to patients at Kottayam Medical College and Amrita Hospital, and her corneas were donated to the Little Flower Eye Bank in Angamaly.
As the investigation continues, what steps will be taken to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future?
