News report | October 13, 2026 | Kochi, Kerala
A tragic road accident near Cochin International Airport in Kerala has sparked widespread public outrage after three young people were killed when a speeding Mini Cooper allegedly driven by a 19-year-old man struck their scooter. The incident has drawn attention to the dangers of reckless driving, suspected drunk driving, and questions of accountability after an eyewitness claimed the driver said his father would handle the situation.
The accused has been identified in media reports as Suhail Sajeev. Police have arrested him in connection with the fatal crash, while investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the collision and the allegation that he was driving under the influence of alcohol.
How the fatal accident happened
The accident occurred at approximately 1:45 am on Sunday, October 11, in the Nedumbassery area near Kochi airport. According to reports, three young people were travelling together on a scooter when a Mini Cooper approaching from behind crashed into their vehicle.
The collision was so severe that all three scooter riders suffered fatal injuries. CCTV footage reportedly showed the car approaching at high speed before hitting the scooter. Police, citing witness accounts, suspected that the car may have been travelling at more than 120 kmph. The exact speed and the full circumstances of the crash remain subject to investigation.
The victims were identified as Devika, 21, from Wayanad; Gopika, 22, from Palakkad; and Ijaz, 21, from Karnataka. Reports said the three worked at a handicrafts shop in the Thrikkakara area and were returning after going out for tea.
Their deaths have left their families and loved ones devastated. What should have been an ordinary late-night outing ended in an irreversible tragedy, raising painful questions about road safety and the consequences of irresponsible driving.
‘My father will handle everything’: Eyewitness account sparks outrage
One of the most controversial aspects of the incident is the alleged remark made after the collision. According to eyewitness Salim, who spoke to the media, nearby residents rushed towards the accident site after hearing a loud noise. They found the three victims injured on the road and confronted the driver.
The eyewitness alleged that the driver responded by saying that his father would handle everything. The reported statement quickly attracted public attention, triggering anger and debate over whether wealth or family influence could shield someone from the consequences of a serious offence.
However, the remark is based on an eyewitness account and should be treated as an allegation rather than an independently established fact. The investigation must determine the facts and establish individual responsibility through proper legal procedures.
Police investigation: Speeding videos and suspected alcohol consumption
The investigation has taken a significant turn after police reportedly examined social media videos showing the accused driving the Mini Cooper at extremely high speeds on earlier occasions. One resurfaced Instagram video allegedly showed the car’s speedometer climbing from 204 kmph to 220 kmph. Investigators are examining such footage alongside CCTV recordings, witness statements and forensic evidence to establish whether the videos are connected to a pattern of dangerous driving.
Police are also investigating suspected alcohol consumption before the crash. Reports on October 13 said forensic results were awaited to establish the relevant details. The Excise Department has registered cases against three bars over allegations that alcohol was served to members of the group despite Kerala’s legal drinking age being 23. The authorities are examining the circumstances in which the group consumed alcohol and whether any establishments violated the law. These allegations must be established through the investigation and legal process.
Three other occupants arrested
The case has expanded beyond the driver. According to reports published on October 12 and 13, the three other occupants of the Mini Cooper were also arrested in connection with allegations that they allowed an intoxicated person to drive. Investigators are examining the roles of everyone inside the vehicle before and during the crash. The authorities are also looking into the car’s recorded data and other available evidence to reconstruct the moments leading up to the collision.
Victim’s family demands justice
The tragedy has intensified demands for a fair and transparent investigation. On October 13, Gopika’s father alleged that attempts were being made to undermine the case and raised concerns about possible influence being exerted on the investigation.
He called for accountability and questioned aspects of the handling of the case. These are allegations made by the family and have not, by themselves, established that the investigation has been compromised. The family’s concerns underline the importance of ensuring that evidence is preserved, every relevant person is investigated fairly, and the case proceeds according to law.
A serious warning about reckless driving
The Kochi crash is a devastating reminder that a powerful car is not a licence to drive recklessly. Speeding reduces reaction time, increases stopping distance and can turn an ordinary journey into a fatal collision within seconds. Driving after consuming alcohol makes an already dangerous situation even more serious.
The alleged remark that a father would handle everything has also prompted a broader debate about privilege and accountability. Family wealth, social standing or influence must never be treated as a substitute for responsibility under the law.
Above all, the focus must remain on Devika, Gopika and Ijaz, whose lives were cut short, and on the families now seeking justice. A thorough investigation and a fair legal process are essential to establish the facts and determine responsibility.
The central message is clear: no family connection can bring back a lost life, and no one should be above the law.