The Kerala Mini Cooper crash on Airport Road in Nedumbassery has led to the arrest of all four occupants after the car rammed a scooter and killed three people. Ernakulam rural police suspect the vehicle was travelling at more than 120kmph when the collision occurred, while the investigation into alcohol consumption, speed and possible culpability is continuing.
The driver, Suhail Sajeev, 19, was arrested on Sunday and booked for negligent driving and culpable homicide not amounting to murder, according to police. The other occupants—Ninav, 19, Ameen Sha, 19, and Joyal S Anto, 19—were also arrested. Police booked the three passengers for abetment, alleging that they allowed Sajeev to drive despite knowing that he was inebriated. All four are college students.
The crash took place on Airport Road in Nedumbassery, a key approach route near Kochi’s airport and a corridor used by local residents, airport-bound traffic and commercial vehicles. The deaths have brought renewed attention to the risks created when high-speed driving, impaired driving and late-night travel overlap on urban and peri-urban roads.
Police have collected CCTV footage, bills from establishments and other material as part of the investigation. Officers suspect the group consumed alcohol at different bars before the collision. Preliminary findings indicated that Sajeev was under the influence of alcohol when the crash occurred, but investigators are awaiting laboratory reports to confirm his blood alcohol level.
The Excise Department registered occurrence reports on Monday against the licences and managers of three establishments: bars in Kadavanthra and Palarivattom, and a star hotel in Nedumbassery. Excise officers said the group reportedly visited the establishments between 9.30pm and 1.30am on Saturday night. The reports will examine whether the establishments complied with applicable licensing and service requirements, though the investigation into the crash remains with the police and other departments.
Investigators are also examining an old Instagram video purportedly posted on an account belonging to Sajeev. The 11.8-second clip, posted on April 20 this year, appears to show the Mini Cooper’s speedometer rising from 204kmph to 220kmph on a highway, with loud music audible inside the vehicle. Police said they found other videos purportedly showing the vehicle being driven at speeds exceeding 200kmph on several occasions. These videos are part of the evidence being examined and do not by themselves establish the circumstances of the crash.
The victims were identified as Devika, 21, from Wayanad; Gopika, 22, from Palakkad; and Iyas, 21, from Karnataka. Their bodies were handed over to their families after autopsy. The incident has also prompted the Motor Vehicles Department to initiate proceedings to suspend Sajeev’s driving licence, according to the report.
The next steps are expected to include the receipt of laboratory results, further examination of CCTV footage and evidence from the establishments, and action by the Excise Department and Motor Vehicles Department. Police proceedings will determine the final findings and charges in the case.
