Three people died after a Mini Cooper allegedly driven by a 19-year-old under the influence of alcohol collided with a scooter near Kochi airport.
Kochi: The Keralam government is planning stricter enforcement of rules governing the sale of alcohol to people below the age of 23 following a fatal road accident in Nedumbassery that killed three young people. The incident has brought renewed attention to alleged drunk driving, dangerous speeding and possible violations by licensed bars.
The Excise Department has registered cases against three establishments in connection with the accident involving a Mini Cooper allegedly driven by 19-year-old Suhail Sajeev. The collision took place near the Athani airport signal on the Nedumbassery airport road in the early hours of Sunday, October 11. Investigators are examining whether alcohol was served to the driver and his companions in violation of the state’s regulations.
Three young people lose their lives
The victims were identified as Devika, 21, from Wayanad; Gopika, 21, from Palakkad; and Eyas, 21, from Karnataka. The three reportedly worked at a commercial establishment in Thrikkakara, Kochi, and were travelling on a scooter when the Mini Cooper struck their vehicle.
Reports indicate that the force of the collision dragged the scooter for approximately 100 metres. The severity of the crash has raised concerns about the risks associated with excessive speed, particularly when a driver is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.
Police have arrested Suhail and the three other occupants of the car. The passengers are also facing allegations that they allowed him to drive despite knowing that he had consumed alcohol.
Police investigate suspected drunk driving
According to reports, Suhail was allegedly driving at approximately 120 kmph on the airport road before the collision. He reportedly told investigators that he had consumed alcohol before driving. The investigation will establish the available evidence regarding his condition at the time of the accident.
Police are examining CCTV footage, records from the establishments reportedly visited by the group and other evidence that could help reconstruct the events before the crash. Investigators are also seeking technical information from the car’s Event Data Recorder, which may provide details about its speed, braking and steering inputs before the collision.
A separate video circulating on social media has also attracted attention. The footage reportedly shows the car’s speedometer reaching approximately 218–220 kmph on an earlier occasion. Investigators will need to establish the video’s authenticity and relevance before drawing conclusions from it.
Also Read :- CMRL Pay-Off Case: Kerala Vigilance Files Two FIRs Naming Pinarayi Vijayan and Family Members
Three bars face action over alleged violations
The Excise Department has registered cases against three establishments named in reports as Daya in Kadavanthra, Monsoon Empress in Palarivattom and the bar at Courtyard by Marriott in Nedumbassery. Authorities suspect that Suhail and some of his companions consumed alcohol at these establishments before the accident.
The cases have been registered under Sections 15B and 56(b) of the Kerala Abkari Act. Section 15B deals with the prohibition on serving liquor to people below the prescribed legal age of 23, while Section 56(b) relates to breaches of licence conditions.
Officials are examining CCTV footage and other records to determine whether the establishments served alcohol in violation of the law. The investigation is also looking into compliance with age restrictions and the requirements imposed on licensed liquor outlets.
Government warns of stricter enforcement
The fatal accident has prompted the state government to emphasise stricter implementation of existing drinking-age restrictions. Excise Minister M. Liju has warned that establishments found serving alcohol to people below 23 will face stringent action.
The department has begun proceedings against the three establishments connected to the case. Officials are examining whether the bars complied with the rules governing the sale of liquor and whether adequate checks were carried out before serving customers.
The proposed crackdown is intended to prevent licensed establishments from supplying alcohol to people who do not meet the state’s legal age requirement. The case has also raised questions about how effectively these restrictions are monitored and enforced.
Police examine the role of the car’s occupants
The investigation extends beyond the driver and the bars. Police have registered cases against the three other occupants of the Mini Cooper over allegations that they permitted Suhail to drive despite knowing that he had consumed alcohol.
Investigators are examining witness statements, CCTV footage and technical evidence to establish the sequence of events before the crash. The Motor Vehicles Department has also initiated proceedings concerning Suhail’s driving licence.
The case has renewed concerns about the consequences of reckless driving and the responsibility of passengers who may knowingly travel with an intoxicated driver. It has also brought the role of alcohol-serving establishments under scrutiny when customers are allegedly below the legal drinking age.
