Kerala court denies bail to Suhail Sajeev in fatal Mini Cooper crash

Fatal collision on Athani-Airport road kills three

A fatal collision occurred on the Athani-Airport road in Nedumbassery on October 11, 2026, when a Mini Cooper struck a scooter. The crash resulted in the deaths of three individuals: 21-year-old Devika from Wayanad, 22-year-old Gopika from Palakkad, and 21-year-old Iyas from Karnataka.

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Prosecution evidence cites high speed and alcohol influence

The prosecution opposed bail requests for the accused, noting that investigations remain ongoing.

Blood tests for 19-year-old Suhail Sajeev showed 161mg of alcohol per 100ml, while urine tests indicated 230mg per 100ml. These levels exceed the legal limit of 30mg per 100ml.

A 1-minute-43-second voice recording found on the phone of co-accused Joyal S Anto serves as key evidence in the case. Sent at 9:25 am on the day of the crash, the message details the group's alcohol consumption and the moments surrounding the collision. The recording states the car was driven at an extremely high speed and that three occupants died on the spot.

The prosecution submitted this audio message to support their opposition to bail, alleging it confirms Sajeev was driving under the influence. The recording further contains a claim that Sajeev told bystanders at the crash site that his father would resolve the matter.

Investigators have gathered CCTV footage, fingerprints, and data from the Mini Cooper's Event Data Recorder. Video footage shows Sajeev driving the vehicle at 160 km/h, covering 0.5km in 11 seconds prior to the crash. Reports suggest the vehicle was traveling at approximately 160 km/h before the impact.

Legal charges and previous bail rejections

A case has been filed by the Nedumbassery Airport Police Station against the four accused, 19-year-old Suhail Sajeev, Ninav, Joyal S Anto, and Ameen Shah, in accordance with Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This section covers culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Suhail Sajeev is specifically charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The other three accused face charges of abetment, along with provisions for dangerous driving and driving under the influence.

The prosecution has also alleged offences under Sections 281, 49, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Sajeev and Ninav were arrested on October 11, while Joyal and Ameen were arrested and remanded on October 12.

The Angamaly Judicial First Class Magistrate Court previously rejected the bail applications for all four accused on October 17.

Ongoing investigation and procedural developments

An app-based cab driver who was in the vicinity of the scene has been identified by police as a crucial eyewitness. The family of the victim, Gopika, has petitioned for a special public prosecutor to be appointed to take charge of the case.

An audio message has been used to tighten the case against Sajeev, with police opposing his bail plea. A device from the Mini Cooper involved in the crash is scheduled to be sent to Germany for forensic examination.

The Angamaly Magistrate Court previously denied a request from the Kakkanad Borstal School superintendent to transfer Suhail to Viyyur Central Prison, finding no specific threat to his safety.