Published Oct 12, 2026 | 11:43 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 12, 2026 | 11:43 AM
Mini Cooper crash
Synopsis: Witnesses said the vehicle was speeding, with police suspecting it was travelling at over 120 kmph. Meanwhile, police have not confirmed suspicions that the driver was under the influence of intoxicants, stating that medical examination results would be needed to establish this.
“My father will take care of everything”, Suhail Sajeev, accused in the Mini Cooper crash that killed three people, allegedly said, triggering anger among people who confronted him when police took him to a hospital for a medical examination.
He was allegedly assaulted by a group of youths while being taken to hospital, following which, police moved him to another location.
District Police Chief (Ernakulam Rural) KS Sudarshan said police took the nineteen year old into custody at the spot, collected blood and urine samples for forensic analysis and conducted a detailed examination of the car.
Witnesses said the vehicle was speeding, with police suspecting it was travelling at over 120 kmph. Meanwhile, police have not confirmed suspicions that the driver was under the influence of intoxicants, stating that medical examination results would be needed to establish this.
The accused driver was detained and handed over to Nedumbassery police following a verbal altercation with people who gathered at the scene.
Police are also expected to examine CCTV footage to check for previous instances of dangerous driving involving his co-passenger Ninav, 19, who also has been arrested. Further charges may be added if additional offences emerge.
Meanwhile, the Excise Department has launched an inquiry into bars that allegedly served alcohol to Suhail.
Three people, including two women, were killed when the Mini Cooper rammed into their scooter on Cochin airport road around 2 am on Sunday, 11 October.
The victims were identified as Ijaz (21) a Karnataka native, Gopika (22) from Palakkad and Devika (21) from Wayanad. All three worked at a craft shop in Thrikkakara and were returning towards Athani after having tea near the airport when the accident occurred.
Initially the bodies of the victims were moved to government hospitals for further procedures. Gopika’s body is at Angamaly Taluk Hospital, while those of Ijaz and Devika are at Aluva Taluk Hospital.
Later, after the victims’ inquest procedures were completed and their bodies were shifted to Kalamassery MCH.
Police have registered a culpable homicide case against Suhail. Preliminary findings suggest excessive speed caused the crash.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
