Posh lifestyle, carefree attitude, blinded by wealth: How a birthday gift Mini Cooper turned fatal

KOCHI: A posh lifestyle, carefree attitude and blinded by wealth, how a birthday gift Mini Cooper turned fatal for Suhail Sajeev. He killed three people while driving under the influence of alcohol in the Mini Cooper gifted to him by his mother on his birthday. Even after taking the lives of Iyas (21), Devika (21) and Gopika (21), he showed no signs of remorse. Despite local residents rushing to the spot, he refused to get out of the car. He complained that opening the door could damage its sensor.

When the local residents pulled him out of the car and confronted him, his response was, ‘My father will take care of the case.’ He also behaved rudely towards the police and was taken into custody in handcuffs. When Suhail was brought to Angamaly Taluk Hospital for a medical examination, friends of Iyas manhandled him.

Driving his Mini Cooper at high speeds was a habit for Suhail. He had posted videos on social media showing himself driving at speeds of up to 220 kmph. He spends time enjoying life with friends who are car enthusiasts. He doesn’t know the value of money. The car is registered in the name of his father, Sajeev Jamaal.

Suhail's victims were people who had gone out to celebrate and eat after work, overjoyed despite their meagre salaries. Devika, one of those killed, was an accomplished dancer and a state-level cycling champion.

Suhail frequently appears in reels with his mother, Nooha, the managing director of Iha Designs, on Instagram page with hundreds of thousands of followers. Founded in 2010 at Thiruvambady in Alappuzha, Iha Designs gained prominence through online sales. The company opened a showroom in Kochi two years ago, prompting the family to settle permanently in Ernakulam. Branches were opened abroad and in Kozhikode.

Drank in three bars
The police have found that Suhail consumed alcohol at three bars on Saturday night, located in Kadavanthra, Palarivattom and Nedumbassery. His final stop was Hotel Marriott in Nedumbassery.

The group of four reportedly began drinking at around 11.30 pm. They left the hotel at 1.30 am, and the accident occurred as they sped away in the car.

The excise department has registered a case against the hotel for serving alcohol to minors.