Kochi Mini Cooper crash: Accused blood alcohol level 5 times above permissible limit

Police have received the blood test report of Suhail Sajeev, the 19-year-old accused in the Mini Cooper crash that killed three youngsters near Kochi airport in Kerala’s Ernakulam district.According to police sources, the report found that his blood alcohol level was around five times the permissible limit. No narcotic substances were detected in the samples.Police have also collected footage from around 50 CCTV cameras as part of the investigation. Sources said the footage includes visuals showing Suhail driving the vehicle while entering and exiting a bar before the fatal crash.The latest findings could provide crucial evidence in the investigation into the accident, which took place at around 2 am on Sunday in Nedumbassery. Three people riding a scooter were killed after a speeding Mini Cooper rammed into their two-wheeler. THREE YOUNGSTERS KILLED IN HIGH-SPEED COLLISIONThe victims were identified as Devika, a native of Wayanad, Gopika, a native of Palakkad, and Ijaz, a native of Karnataka. All three were working in Thrikkakara and were returning home after having tea at a nearby shop when the accident occurred.According to the preliminary account, the Mini Cooper hit the scooter as the three youngsters travelled along the left side of the road. The impact left all three critically injured. Locals rushed them to a hospital, where they died. Visuals of the collision aired by television channels showed the car travelling at high speed before crashing into the scooter. The impact threw one of the women riding pillion into the air, while the scooter was left mangled at the scene. The car also sustained extensive damage.CCTV FOOTAGE UNDER SCRUTINYPolice have collected footage from approximately 50 CCTV cameras to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash. Sources said investigators have visuals showing Suhail driving the Mini Cooper while entering and exiting a bar.The blood test report has also confirmed the presence of alcohol at a level around five times the permissible limit, according to sources. No narcotic substances were detected.Earlier, police had said Suhail was taken for a medical examination after the accident and had reportedly admitted to consuming alcohol, claiming that he had only drunk beer. His blood and other samples were collected to determine whether he had consumed alcohol or other intoxicating substances.Ernakulam Rural Superintendent of Police K S Sudarsan had said a forensic examination of the car was also under way to check for evidence of intoxicating substances inside the vehicle. Police had also confirmed that the car was registered in Suhail’s father’s name and that the 19-year-old held a valid driving licence.ACCUSED BOOKED FOR CULPABLE HOMICIDESuhail was booked for culpable homicide and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case triggered public outrage, with the victims’ families raising questions about the investigation and demanding strict action.The case also drew scrutiny over allegations that the accused was receiving favourable treatment because of his family’s affluent background. Police have faced questions over the initial handling of the case, including the omission of Suhail’s name from the FIR, according to earlier reports.The accused and three co-passengers were arrested in connection with the case. Suhail was subsequently sent to a Borstal school, prompting further questions over the handling of the case and the custody arrangements.POLICE PROMISE FURTHER INVESTIGATIONIn a separate development following the crash, police said some friends of the victims allegedly attacked Suhail while he was being taken for a medical examination at a hospital.Police personnel intervened to prevent further violence, and one person was taken into custody in connection with the incident.Police have said preventive measures, including patrolling, would be strengthened in the area near the airport to curb accidents caused by speeding.Investigators are examining the blood test findings and CCTV footage alongside other evidence to establish the circumstances of the crash and determine the appropriate legal action.- Ends