Kochi: A video has surfaced showing that Suhail Sajeev, the 19-year-old accused of driving a Mini Cooper that killed three students near Nedumbassery in Ernakulam district, received the luxury car as a birthday gift from his mother because he had wished for it.

The accident occurred around 2 am on Sunday when the speeding Mini Cooper rammed into a scooter carrying Devika (21), Gopika and Iyas, all around 21 years old. Suhail, who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, was arrested soon after the incident. Police registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against him.

Police said Suhail's mother had gifted him the luxury car for his birthday. Investigators also found videos allegedly showing him driving at speeds exceeding 200 kmph on several occasions.

Three more people — Ninav, Ameer and Joel have been arraigned as accused in connection with the accident for allegedly abetting the offence, police said.

Ninav was taken into custody on Sunday, while Ameer and Joel were later taken into custody from Alappuzha with the help of local police. Police said the arrests of the three accused would be formally recorded.

According to the investigation, Suhail and Ninav had consumed alcohol at bars in Ernakulam city before Ameer and Joel joined them. The four allegedly continued drinking before travelling in the Mini Cooper.

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Ameer and Joel had reportedly reached Nedumbassery to pick up a friend arriving at the airport. When the flight was delayed, they joined Suhail for a high-speed drive, police said.

Two occupants allegedly fled the scene after the accident and escaped in another vehicle. Police said they would soon approach the court seeking Suhail's custody for further investigation.

Victim's family demands murder charge

Meanwhile, the family of Devika has demanded that a murder case be registered against the accused, arguing that the alleged reckless driving warranted more stringent charges.

"A case has been registered for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Instead, a murder case should be registered because he drove the vehicle in such a reckless manner. Such an incident should not happen to anyone in the future," Devika's uncle Sandeep told reporters.

He said Devika, Gopika and Iyas had been the hopes of their respective families and were preparing to enter a new phase of their lives after completing their studies.

Describing Devika as the sole breadwinner of her family, Sandeep said she had worked hard to secure a good job and was planning to move to the Gulf within two to four months.

He said her family had sold their land to finance her education.

"There is no place for us here even to keep the body. The body was kept at our ancestral home," he said.

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Sandeep also referred to reports that Suhail had received the luxury car as a birthday gift from his mother when he was 19. He pointed to social media posts allegedly showing the teenager driving at high speeds.

The family also expressed concern over reports that Suhail had said his father would handle the case after the accident.

Sandeep said the family hoped the government and police would ensure a fair investigation and that those responsible would face legal consequences.

The investigation into the fatal accident is continuing.