Published Oct 13, 2026 | 1:14 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 13, 2026 | 1:14 PM
Mini Cooper crash
Synopsis: Gopika’s father alleged that lapses in the investigation could affect the family’s chances of securing justice. He said the transfer of the accused to a juvenile facility despite the seriousness of the offence had raised doubts about whether the case was being handled properly. He also claimed to have heard that pressure was being exerted by influential quarters.
The family of M.P. Gopika, one of the three young people killed in the Nedumbassery car accident, has raised serious concerns over the handling of the case, alleging attempts to protect the accused, Suhail Sajeev (19), and undermine the investigation.
The family, while talking to the media on Tuesday, 13 October, has questioned the decision to transfer Suhail, who was remanded in judicial custody, to Kakkanad Borstal School instead of a sub-jail.
They have also expressed suspicion over the collection of a fresh blood sample from Gopika’s body after the post-mortem examination and suturing.
Gopika’s father alleged that lapses in the investigation could affect the family’s chances of securing justice.
He said the transfer of the accused to a juvenile facility despite the seriousness of the offence had raised doubts about whether the case was being handled properly.
He also claimed to have heard that pressure was being exerted by influential quarters.
According to him, the family learnt that Suhail belonged to the constituency of the Home Minister, raising further concerns about possible influence over the investigation.
Recalling reports that Suhail had allegedly told people at the accident scene that his father would take care of everything, Gopika’s father questioned whether the accused was relying on connections to evade accountability.
Also Read: ‘My father will take care of everything,’ accused in Mini Cooper crash allegedly says; 3 dead
The family has also alleged that attempts are being made on social media to damage the reputation of Gopika and her relatives.
Gopika, 21, had served as vice-chairperson of KMM College and volunteered with the National Service Scheme (NSS) for more than five years, actively participating in social service activities, her father said.
He maintained that the family had no history of controversy and alleged that the online campaign was intended to tarnish their image. Gopika’s mother also appealed for justice for her daughter.
The family further alleged that the FIR failed to mention the accused’s alleged intoxication.
Gopika’s father said they had been told that Suhail was heavily intoxicated when they reached the Nedumbassery police station. He questioned how the allegation could have been omitted from the FIR despite the suspected role of alcohol in the crash.
The family of Devika has also objected to the decision to place the accused in the Borstal facility rather than a sub-jail.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has assured the families of the victims (three youths list their lives in the Nedumbassery car accident on Sunday) that the government would ensure a fair investigation and prosecution, dismissing concerns that the accused’s influential family background could influence the course of the case.
Responding to allegations of a lenient approach by the police towards the accused, Chennithala said the government, police and prosecution were committed to securing the maximum punishment permissible under the law for the crime.
He said the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, leaving no loopholes that could weaken the prosecution.
No one would be allowed to interfere with the legal process, he added.
Clarifying the decision to send the accused to a Borstal school, the minister said it was carried out in accordance with a court directive and was not a decision taken independently by the police.
Chennithala also cautioned that attempts were being made in some quarters to mislead the victims’ families, creating unnecessary apprehensions about the case.
He urged them not to be swayed by such claims and assured them that every effort would be made to ensure justice.
The accident occurred around 1.45 am on Sunday near Athani-Valepuram on Nedumbassery Airport Road.
The victims were Devika, alias Kukku, 21, of Kalpetta in Wayanad; Gopika, 21, of Edakkurissi in Mannarkkad; and Iyas, 21, of Sullia. All three died in the crash.
Suhail, a B.Com student at a private college in Kochi who resides in a flat at Kakkanad, was driving the car.
He was detained by local residents after the accident and handed over to the police.
A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered against him under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The decision to move Suhail and his friend Ninav to Kakkanad Borstal School has triggered a separate controversy.
Police have cited Prison Rule 324 as the basis for the transfer.
However, questions have been raised over the applicability of the provision, as the Kerala Borstal Schools Act, 1961, provides for the admission of persons sentenced to imprisonment, while Suhail is an undertrial prisoner on remand.
The Aluva magistrate court had remanded him for 14 days.
Meanwhile, the Motor Vehicles Department’s preliminary findings have pointed to excessive speed and suspected intoxication as the causes of the accident. Ernakulam Enforcement Regional Transport Officer Biju Isaac has submitted a report to the Transport Commissioner.
The crash occurred on the CIAL-Athani Expressway, where the permitted speed limit is 60 kmph.
Suhail has reportedly admitted to driving at 120 kmph.
The MVD has initiated proceedings to revoke his driving licence, with further action to follow after issuing notice and conducting a hearing.
Visual footage of the car being driven at high speed is also being examined.
Rural SP K.S. Sudarshan said a special investigation team would be constituted if required. The probe is currently being led by Aluva DySP Baiju Poulose.
Police have collected the accused’s medical samples and sent them for testing.
The forensic examination of the vehicles has been completed, and further action, including the addition of charges, will be considered after the test results are received.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
