Police have arrested all four accused in connection with the Nedumbassery accident in Kochi that killed three students, and registered a case of culpable homicide, Aluva Rural SP KS Sudarshan said.
According to Sudarshan, the driver of the Mini Cooper and another accused were arrested on Sunday, produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody. The remaining two accused have also been arrested and will be produced before the court.
"Regarding the three fatal death cases reported from Nedumbassery police station, we have registered a case as per culpable homicide. All 4 accused have been arrested. The person who drove the vehicle as well as one other person were arrested yesterday and produced before the court, and they have been remanded in judicial custody. The remaining two persons have also been arrested and will be produced before the court today...as of now, we have invoked section 304 - culpable homicide," he told ANI.
The accident occurred in the Nedumbassery area of Kochi when a Mini Cooper rammed into a two-wheeler carrying three students. All three died at the spot due to the impact of the collision.
Following the incident, police detained the driver, identified as Suhail Sajeev, and impounded the vehicle. According to sources, Sajeev was allegedly driving at high speed when the car hit the scooter from behind. Police are also investigating whether he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
The victims were identified as Iyas, Devika and Gopika, all aged 21.
An eyewitness, Salim, said he rushed to the spot after hearing a loud noise. "Three people were injured on the road. They were hit by a Mini Cooper," he said.
Recounting the moments after the collision, Salim said locals stopped the vehicle and confronted the driver, who allegedly downplayed the seriousness of the incident.
"People stopped him, and there was some dispute. The driver was saying that his father would handle everything. Then the police and ambulance came. But the injured were already not moving when the ambulance reached for help," Salim added.
Police have collected medical samples from the accused and sent them for testing. The forensic examination of the vehicles has also been completed.
On allegations that alcohol was served to minors, the SP said inspections at bars and further action would be decided after examining the relevant guidelines. The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of the Aluva Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP).
Sudarshan added that a special investigation team would be formed if required. Further details are awaited.