Suhail Sajeev, the accused driver in the fatal Mini Cooper crash on the VIP road near Kochi International Airport, was assaulted by friends of the three victims when police brought him to Angamaly Taluk Hospital for a medical examination. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from claims that he had boasted after the crash that his family would take care of the consequences.

The men confronted Sajeev as police brought him out of the hospital, asking, “Where is your father?” before physically attacking him. Local residents had alleged that Sajeev made dismissive remarks after the collision, including that his family would handle whatever followed.

The crash on Sunday killed three young people travelling on a scooter. Police have since arrested Sajeev and charged him with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

According to reports, Sajeev was driving the Mini Cooper at an estimated 120 kilometres per hour when it hit the scooter from behind. He was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time.

The victims were identified as Iyas, Devika and Gopika, all aged 21. Their post-mortem examinations were completed at government hospitals in Aluva and Angamaly, and their bodies were handed over to their families.

The fatal collision has triggered public anger, with questions being raised about alleged reckless driving and the safety of the airport road stretch.

Friend, two other occupants arrested

Nedumbassery police have also arrested Ninav, a native of Alappuzha who was travelling in the car, on charges of abetting drunk driving. Two other occupants who allegedly fled the scene after the crash were also apprehended.

Police collected blood samples from Sajeev to determine whether he had consumed any intoxicating substances apart from alcohol. The move followed claims by local residents that contraband had been seen inside the vehicle. The allegations are yet to be established.

Action against bars, driving licence cancellation

The state government has initiated administrative action following the crash. Excise Minister M. Liju directed officials to register cases against three bars where Sajeev allegedly consumed alcohol before the collision.

The minister also noted that Sajeev was below Kerala's legal drinking age of 23. The Motor Vehicles Department has initiated proceedings to cancel his driving licence permanently.

Previous record of high-speed driving

Police records indicate that Sajeev had previously been involved in dangerous driving, including an incident in which he was reportedly recorded travelling at 218 kilometres per hour.

Investigators have also noted that he regularly uploaded social media videos showing him driving the Mini Cooper at speeds exceeding 200 kilometres per hour. The car had reportedly been gifted to him by his mother, who owns a design studio.

Residents flag airport road as a racing hotspot

Residents have raised concerns about the Athani-airport road stretch, alleging that it has become a hotspot for late-night drag racing and social media videos featuring high-speed driving.

They claim that eight people riding motorcycles have died in accidents in the area over the past five months. The claims underline local concerns about road safety.

MLA Uma Thomas has pledged to ensure that those responsible for the crash face legal accountability.

The investigation into the  collision is continuing.