Kochi: An audio message sent by Joel, a friend of Suhail Sajeev, has emerged as evidence in the case involving a Mini Cooper crash near Nedumbassery that killed three people. Police submitted the recording to the court while opposing the bail pleas of the accused.

Joel, the third accused in the case, was also travelling in the Mini Cooper at the time of the accident.

In the audio message, Joel says that Suhail was driving under the influence of alcohol at high speed when the car hit a scooter, killing three people. He also says the occupants of the car were terrified and fled the scene.

According to the recording cited by the police, Joel also claimed that Suhail told the locals his father would handle the matter.
Also read | Nedumbassery crash: Mini Cooper driven at 140 km/h; Moments before fatal hit filmed by friend

Police cite evidence of repeated speeding

Arguments on the accused’s bail pleas are continuing before the Sessions Court. Police have opposed granting bail, arguing that it would send a wrong message to society.

The police also told the court that they had obtained evidence suggesting Suhail regularly drove at excessive speeds. They further said the accused had informed a friend about the deaths and that Suhail had contacted his father first after the crash.
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Defence challenges charges against accused

The defence argued that the accused were not named in the FIR and that the charge of culpable homicide had been imposed without sufficient evidence. The lawyers also alleged that the outcome of the case had been decided in advance.

The Angamaly Magistrate Court had earlier rejected the accused’s bail pleas, following which they approached the Sessions Court. Arguments on their applications are continuing.