Three people were killed after a speeding Mini Cooper allegedly driven by a 19-year-old under the influence of alcohol rammed into their scooter near Cochin International Airport in Kerala’s Nedumbassery in the early hours of Sunday, October 11. The fatal accident has triggered a police investigation into suspected drunk driving, overspeeding and the alleged supply of alcohol to a person below the legal drinking age.

The accused, Suhail Sajeev, has been arrested. Police are examining CCTV footage, witness statements, forensic evidence and videos circulating on social media to establish the circumstances leading to the collision and determine the extent of the driver’s alleged violations.

The accident occurred at around 1.45 am on the airport road. According to preliminary reports, the Mini Cooper struck the scooter from behind with considerable force, throwing its three occupants onto the road. The victims were rushed to nearby hospitals but could not be saved.

The deceased have been identified as Devika, 21, from Wayanad; Gopika, 22, from Palakkad; and Ijaz, 21, from Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district. All three worked at a handicrafts business in Thrikkakara and had reportedly gone out with colleagues for tea before the accident.

A colleague travelling on another scooter behind them reportedly witnessed the incident. The collision left the scooter badly damaged, while the impact raised immediate concerns about the speed at which the car was travelling.

CCTV footage under examination

CCTV footage of the collision has become an important part of the investigation. The video reportedly shows the Mini Cooper approaching the scooter at high speed before hitting it from behind.

Police suspect the car may have been travelling at more than 120 kmph. Investigators are also examining social media videos that allegedly show the accused driving at speeds exceeding 200 kmph on a highway. Authorities are working to establish the authenticity of the footage and whether it is directly relevant to the case.

The police have collected blood and urine samples from the driver for testing. Preliminary findings have raised suspicions that he was intoxicated at the time of the crash, but the medical and forensic reports will be crucial in confirming whether alcohol played a role.

Investigators are also examining the damaged vehicle and other available evidence to reconstruct the collision. Technical information relating to the car’s speed, braking and accelerator use may help establish what happened in the moments before impact.

Three bars face action over alleged alcohol supply

The investigation has extended to establishments that allegedly served alcohol to the 19-year-old before the accident. Kerala’s legal drinking age is 23, making the alleged supply of alcohol to the accused a separate issue for the authorities.

The Excise Department has registered cases against three bars suspected of serving alcohol to Suhail. Officials are examining possible violations of liquor regulations, and further action could follow depending on the findings.

Excise Minister M. Liju directed officials to identify establishments that allegedly served alcohol to the teenager and take appropriate legal action. Investigators are checking his movements before the crash, including reports that he visited multiple bars during the day and evening.

The inquiry has renewed attention on compliance with Kerala’s liquor laws, particularly age verification and the responsibility of establishments to prevent underage drinking. The authorities will need to establish whether the establishments violated applicable rules before determining the consequences.

Co-passengers also under investigation

Police have also taken action against people who were travelling with the accused. Reports on Monday said three co-passengers had been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators are examining their possible role in the events leading up to the crash and whether further offences can be established.

Authorities are recording statements and checking available evidence to understand the group’s movements before the accident. Reports also described confrontations involving the driver after the collision, as angry bystanders reportedly confronted him.

The Motor Vehicles Department has initiated steps to suspend the accused’s driving licence. The final action will depend on the applicable procedures and findings of the investigation.

Police are continuing to collect evidence, including electronic records and forensic material, to establish the sequence of events and assess the driver’s alleged conduct.

Road safety concerns return to focus

The deaths have renewed concerns about reckless driving, alcohol consumption behind the wheel and enforcement of road safety regulations. The case has also raised questions about how effectively establishments verify customers’ ages and comply with restrictions on alcohol sales.

Speeding and impaired driving can sharply reduce a driver’s ability to react to hazards, increasing the risk of fatal collisions. The investigation will determine whether these factors contributed to the accident and whether additional violations took place.

Police are awaiting test results and analysing the available evidence. The findings will help establish the circumstances of the crash, determine the legal responsibility of those involved and guide further action.