Kochi: Three more people have been named as accused in the accident in which three youngsters were killed after a speeding Mini Cooper hit their scooter near Nedumbassery in Kochi, police said on Monday. Meanwhile, the family of Devika (21), one of the victims, has demanded that murder charges be invoked against the accused, citing the reckless manner in which the car was driven.

The accident occurred around 2 am on Sunday, when the Mini Cooper driven by Kochi native Suhail struck the scooter carrying Devika, Gopika and Iyas, all around 21 years old.
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Mini Cooper crash: Four people named as accused

Suhail, who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, was arrested soon after the accident. Police registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against him.

His friend Ninav was also taken into custody on Sunday. During the investigation, police found that Ameer and Joel had also been travelling in the car. The two allegedly fled the scene and were later taken into custody from Alappuzha with the help of local police.

Suhail is the first accused in the case, while Ninav, Ameer and Joel have been named as accused for allegedly abetting the offence, police said. Their arrests will be formally recorded, officials added.

Police are also expected to approach the court seeking Suhail’s custody for further investigation.

Accused allegedly continued drinking before high-speed drive

According to police, 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.

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

Police said two occupants fled after the accident, allegedly escaping in another vehicle.

Investigators also found videos purportedly showing Suhail driving at speeds exceeding 200 km per hour on earlier occasions.

‘Murder case should be registered’: Victim’s family

Devika’s family has demanded that the police register a murder case instead of the existing charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

“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 the family hoped the government and police would ensure a fair investigation and take action to prevent similar incidents.

Sandeep also referred to reports that Suhail had allegedly told people after the accident that his father would handle the case. He said the family trusted the authorities to deal with the matter fairly.
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Family recalls Devika’s dreams

Recalling the three victims, Sandeep said they had been the hopes of their respective families and were preparing to begin new chapters in their lives after completing their studies.

“Devika was the lamp of this house. She studied and worked so hard,” he said.

According to Sandeep, Devika’s family had sold their land to finance her education. She was the sole breadwinner of the family and had been planning to move to the Gulf within two to four months after securing a good job.

He also claimed that Suhail had received the luxury car as a birthday gift from his mother when he was 19, pointing to social media posts allegedly showing him driving at high speeds.

Sandeep said the three youngsters had been the main support of their respective families, adding to the grief caused by their deaths.



(With PTI inputs)