Kochi: Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday assured that there would be no political interference in the investigation into the fatal Mini Cooper crash near Kochi that killed three youngsters, adding that the government would ensure the accused faced the maximum punishment prescribed by law.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Chennithala described the incident at Nedumbassery as deeply distressing and said the government, police and prosecution would take all necessary steps to ensure justice.

"What happened at Nedumbassery is a very painful incident. It is an incident that has shocked Keralam," he said.

"Whoever tries to save the accused will not succeed. We will ensure that he receives the punishment prescribed by law," the minister added, ruling out any compromise in the case.

The remarks came as police added three more sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to the case, expanding the scope of the investigation into the crash, according to the remand report submitted to the court.

Three youngsters- two women and a man, all aged around 21 were killed when a speeding Mini Cooper allegedly driven by a youth under the influence of alcohol rammed into their scooter at Nedumbassery near Kochi in the early hours of Sunday.

The accused, 19-year-old Kochi native Suhail, was arrested soon after the accident and booked under Section 105 of the BNS, which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

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Sections 281, 49 and 3(5) have since been added to the case following further investigation and witness statements.

Section 105 provides for life imprisonment in certain circumstances. Where the act is committed with the intention of causing death or causing bodily injury likely to cause death, the punishment may be life imprisonment or a jail term of five to 10 years and a fine. Where there is knowledge that the act is likely to cause death but no intention to cause death or such injury, the punishment may extend to 10 years and a fine.

Section 281 deals with rash driving or riding on a public way, while Section 49 concerns punishment for abetment when the offence abetted is committed. Section 3(5) establishes joint liability for criminal acts committed by several persons in furtherance of a common intention.

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The remand report stated that the investigation had revealed the involvement of three other persons in the offence. They were subsequently named as accused Nos 2, 3 and 4.

The addition of the sections could affect how the prosecution establishes the role of each accused. However, the charges do not establish guilt, and the final outcome will depend on the evidence and the court's findings.

Minister rejects claims of possible political interference

Chennithala also clarified that the decision to send Suhail to a Borstal school had been taken by the court and not the police.

He said the relevant rules provided for persons below the age of 21 to be sent to such institutions, adding that the decision did not mean the accused would escape punishment.

Responding to concerns about possible political interference because Suhail belonged to Alappuzha district, the minister said the accused's district of origin would make no difference to the investigation.

"What difference does it make which district he belongs to? No minister will interfere," he said, adding that Suhail was from his district but not his constituency.

The minister also addressed questions about the first information report (FIR) and the alleged omission of any reference to the accused being under the influence of alcohol.

He said a medical examination and certificate were necessary to establish intoxication.

"When an accident occurs, it is necessary to test the person's blood immediately to determine whether they were under the influence of alcohol. A medical certificate must be obtained, and only then can that fact be recorded," he said.

Acknowledging the concerns of the victims' families, Chennithala said the government and police understood their apprehensions following the loss of their loved ones.

"This is why I am leading the biggest fight against drug abuse in Keralam today. This incident shows the relevance of Operation Toofan," he said.

Victim's family demands justice

Meanwhile, the family of Gopika, one of the three victims, has expressed concern over the investigation and called for justice.

Her father, an autorickshaw driver, said he had raised his children through years of hard work and careful spending. Gopika had been preparing to go abroad after completing her studies, he said.

"We want justice. We are asking for nothing else. The judicial system in this country must tell us the truth and ensure that justice is done," he said.

The family has also expressed anguish over comments about the victims on social media, particularly those allegedly made by some right-wing groups.

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

His friends Ninav, Ameer and Joel, who were in the car at the time of the crash, were also arrested.