Kerala Mini Cooper crash: 3 accused granted bail
What's the story
The Kerala High Court has granted bail to three accused in the high-profile Mini Cooper crash case near Kochi, which left three young people dead last month. However, the court directed a 10-day delay in the release of 19-year-old Suhail Sajeev, the first accused in the case, who allegedly drove the car under the influence of alcohol. The court said decisions cannot be based on public opinion but must follow legal procedures.
Court remarks
Investigation expected to be completed in 2 weeks
The Kerala High Court described the Nedumbassery Mini Cooper accident as unfortunate during the hearing.
The court asked if all evidence had been collected, to which the prosecution responded that evidence is still being gathered.
It further informed the court that the investigation is expected to be completed within two weeks.
Crash investigation
Crash killed 3 young people aged around 21
The crash involved a speeding Mini Cooper hitting a scooter on October 11, killing three young people aged around 21.
Reports say Suhail allegedly made controversial statements after the accident and claimed his father would handle it.
BMW, the car's manufacturer, inspected the vehicle and found it was overspeeding at about 162km/h five seconds before the crash, with brake application one second before impact.
Separate case
Court rejects pleas seeking cancelation of juvenile's bail
In a separate incident, the Ernakulam Sessions Court in Kerala rejected pleas seeking cancellation of bail granted to a 17-year-old boy accused of killing a street food vendor in Kochi.
The teenager, who is the son of an additional district judge, was driving a Mercedes-Benz when he hit Jayabalakrishnan's scooter on October 25.
The Juvenile Justice Board had granted him bail, citing no prior criminal record.
Bail granted
Father faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder
The teenager's father was also granted anticipatory bail by the High Court. He faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with rash and negligent driving.
The family of victim Jayabalakrishnan accused the judge of trying to destroy evidence at the accident site and forcing police officers to delete a photograph.
The judge claimed he was unaware his son had taken the vehicle as he slept during the incident.