Three Killed as Mini Cooper Hits Scooter in Nedumbassery; Driver Was Drunk, Says Police

Kochi: Police said the driver of a Mini Cooper involved in a collision with a scooter in Nedumbassery, which killed three people, was under the influence of alcohol. The car was also travelling at excessive speed, police said. The deceased include two young women and a man. They have been identified as Gopika, a native of Palakkad, Devika (21), a native of Wayanad, and Ijaz (21), a native of Karnataka.

Police took Suhail Sajeev (19), who was driving the Mini Cooper, into custody. The accident occurred early on Sunday. Suhail had arrived to pick up a friend from the airport. There are reports that he stopped at three bars and consumed alcohol while travelling towards Nedumbassery, and also recorded videos of himself drinking on his mobile phone.

Following the accident, Suhail got into a verbal altercation with local residents. He reportedly challenged them, saying that his father would take care of everything, whatever happened. A case of culpable homicide has been registered against him.

After medical examinations, Suhail and the person accompanying him were kept at the police station in preventive custody. Circle Inspector Arun K V said strict action would be taken against them and that samples, including blood samples, had been collected.

All three victims worked at an antique shop in Thrikkakara. Suhail, a native of Alissery in Alappuzha, currently lives in Kakkanad.