Kochi Mini Cooper crash: Kerala HC grants bail to all 4 accused; prime accused Suhail Sajeev to be released after 10 days

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday granted bail to four persons arrested in connection with the Nedumbassery Mini Cooper crash that claimed the lives of three youngsters. However, the court directed that the prime accused, Suhail Sajeev, be released only after 10 days.Justice Kauser Edappagath passed the order on bail petitions filed by Sajeev, Ninav, Joyal Anto and Ameen Shah, who were travelling in the Mini Cooper that rammed into a scooter carrying three youngsters, including two women, on the Nedumbassery airport road on October 11.The court deferred Sajeev's release by 10 days after taking into consideration the apprehensions raised by the prosecution and the counsel representing the deceased's families.Earlier, the Ernakulam District Sessions Court and the Angamaly Judicial First Class Magistrate Court had rejected the bail pleas of the four accused.During the hearing, the defence lawyers submitted that all four accused were 19-year-old students whose studies had been affected by their prolonged judicial custody.Opposing the bail pleas, the prosecution pointed out that the three victims were also youngsters from poor families and were the hopes of their respective families.The prosecution further submitted that, except Sajeev, the other accused had fled the scene soon after the accident and were subsequently arrested by the police.It argued that the investigation was still underway and would be completed at the earliest, but releasing the accused could affect the probe.The court observed that key aspects of the investigation, including allegations of drunken driving and overspeeding, had already been completed.It also noted that it could not be concluded that the accused had the requisite knowledge. Observing that they were young and had spent nearly a month in custody, the court considered their bail pleas.The prosecution and the counsel representing the deceased's families expressed apprehensions that Sajeev, who allegedly belonged to an influential family, could tamper with evidence if released.The counsel for the deceased's families also submitted that Sajeev had allegedly claimed soon after the accident that his father would take care of everything.However, the court observed that this alone could not be a ground to deny him bail.The counsel further alleged that Sajeev was a habitual high-speed driver and argued that granting him bail could send a negative message to society.After hearing the submissions, the court granted bail to all four accused, with the condition that Sajeev's release would be deferred by 10 days.(With Agency Inputs)You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in KochiStay updated with the latest Kochi news. Download the TOI App.