The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department has issued a show-cause notice to Suhail, the prime accused in the Nedumbassery Mini Cooper crash that killed three young people, beginning proceedings that could lead to the cancellation or suspension of his driving licence.
The notice was issued by the Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer on the basis of a recommendation from the police investigating the accident, Motor Vehicles Department officials said. Suhail has been asked to submit his reply within 14 days, after which the department will take further action following a hearing.
The crash occurred in the early hours of October 11 on the airport road at Nedumbassery, when the Mini Cooper allegedly driven by Suhail rammed into a scooter carrying three youngsters. The victims, including two women, were around 21 years old.
According to officials, the police submitted a detailed report to the Motor Vehicles Department recommending cancellation of Suhail’s driving licence. The police investigation found that the vehicle was allegedly being driven at more than 100 kmph on a public road where the permissible speed limit was between 60 kmph and 70 kmph.
Police have also alleged that Suhail was driving under the influence of alcohol. A report submitted before the Angamaly Judicial First Class Magistrate Court while opposing his bail plea recorded an alcohol concentration of 161 mg per 100 ml in his blood sample and 230 mg per 100 ml in his urine sample. The permissible blood alcohol limit under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, is 30 mg per 100 ml.
The police investigation also found that the Mini Cooper’s exhaust system had been modified, resulting in excessive noise, officials said. The finding adds a vehicle-compliance issue to the allegations of excessive speed and impaired driving being examined in the case.
Police have arrested Ninav, Ameer and Joel in connection with the crash. They were travelling in the car when the accident occurred. The investigation and the Motor Vehicles Department’s licensing proceedings are separate processes: the department’s notice seeks Suhail’s response before a final decision is taken, while the criminal case is being considered by the court.
A court on Saturday dismissed the bail petitions of all four accused. The Motor Vehicles Department will decide whether to suspend or cancel Suhail’s driving licence after receiving and hearing his response to the show-cause notice.
