Angamaly: A local court on Wednesday granted police custody of four individuals implicated in a fatal Mini Cooper crash that resulted in the deaths of three young people near Kochi. The suspects are slated to remain in police custody until 5 pm on Thursday.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala assured the state Assembly that strict measures would be taken against those involved, addressing opposition concerns regarding perceived delays in the investigation. The four suspects, which include 19-year-old driver Suhail, were brought before the court following a previous judicial remand that sent them to a Borstal school, a correctional institution for youthful offenders, according to law enforcement.
Investigators requested custody of the suspects to conduct further interrogations regarding the collision. A police official confirmed that the court approved the request through Thursday evening.
The tragedy occurred early Sunday near Nedumbassery close to Kochi, when a speeding Mini Cooper struck a scooter, killing three individuals aged approximately 21, including two women. Authorities allege that Suhail was operating the vehicle while intoxicated.
A medical evaluation reportedly detected significant alcohol levels in the driver's system, prompting law enforcement to expand the charges against the suspects. The updated charges incorporate provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 281 for rash driving, Section 49 for abetment, Section 3(5) for common intention, and Section 105 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, alongside Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act for driving under the influence.
Home Minister Chennithala's assurances came in reply to a statement by Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, who pointed to news reports claiming delays in filing the initial information report, executing the driver's arrest, and administering the medical assessment. While the four accused remain in police custody for continued questioning, the state administration has reiterated its commitment to pursuing rigorous action in the matter.