Nedumbassery crash: Suhail had consumed alcohol, test confirms; further tests to check for narcotics

KOCHI: Chemical examination has confirmed that Sohail Sajeev, the prime accused in the crash near Nedumbassery that killed three people, had consumed alcohol at the time of the accident. The finding emerged from tests conducted at the Regional Chemical Examination Laboratory in Kakkanad. However, the quantity of alcohol detected has not been disclosed. Further tests will also be conducted to determine whether Suhail had consumed narcotic substances.

The accident occurred around 2 am on Sunday when a luxury car driven by Suhail rammed into the rear of a scooter, killing Devika, a native of Wayanad; Gopika, a native of Palakkad; and Iyas, a native of Sullia in Karnataka, on the spot. Local residents subsequently caught Suhail and handed him over to the police.

The case had triggered controversy after Suhail's name was omitted from the FIR and the document made no mention of alcohol consumption. Allegations had also surfaced that influential people had intervened in the matter. Relatives of the victims had raised similar concerns. The chemical examination results have now emerged against this backdrop.

Meanwhile, the Rural SP, who is leading the investigation, said the remand report had recorded that Suhail had consumed alcohol. The Excise Department had also suspended the licences of three bars that had served alcohol to Suhail and his associates. The bars are located in Palarivattom, Vyttila and Nedumbassery.