Did Suhail cut his hair to mislead witnesses? Critics call it a plot to escape

KOCHI: Allegations are mounting that Suhail Sajeev, the main accused in the Mini Cooper accident case, cropped his hair shortly as part of a strategy to confuse witnesses and escape from the case. There are also allegations that officials may have helped facilitate the move. It was only when Suhail was produced in the court yesterday that the public came to know about his haircut. The other accused arrested in the case had also cut their hair shortly.

With his new haircut, Suhail is almost unrecognizable, even to someone who looks at him closely. His appearance bears little resemblance to the one seen in media reports when he was arrested. Critics allege that the drastic change in appearance was made with the help of officials to make it difficult for witnesses to identify him during an identification parade. By the time the accused were brought to the Aluva District Hospital for a medical examination Wednesday morning, ahead of their court appearance, people failed to recognize them.

However, officials said Suhail did not cut his hair as per their directive. Many have questioned this claim, sarcastically asking what could have prompted him to suddenly cut off the stylish hair he had grown for so long. They argue that it takes only common sense to understand the possible motive behind the change.

The allegations come amid growing criticism that top politicians and people in the film industry are trying to help Suhail escape the case, with considerable support from officials. It was against this backdrop that Suhail appeared in court yesterday with a drastically shortened haircut, sporting what critics described as a jail makeover.