Nedumbassery Crash: Keralam Government Plans Strict Action Against Bars Serving Alcohol to Under-23s
Three killed after a speeding Mini Cooper allegedly driven by a 19-year-old intoxicated driver rammed into a scooter near Kochi airport; Excise Department registers cases against three bars
Kochi: The Keralam government is preparing to tighten action against bars that serve alcohol to people below the legal drinking age of 23 following a fatal road accident near Nedumbassery that claimed the lives of three young people. The incident has triggered an investigation into alleged drunk driving, excessive speeding and the supply of alcohol to underage customers.
The Excise Department has registered cases against three bar establishments in connection with the incident involving a Mini Cooper allegedly driven by 19-year-old Suhail Sajeev. The crash occurred near the Athani airport signal on the Nedumbassery airport road in the early hours of Sunday, October 11.
Three young people killed in the collision
The victims have been identified as Devika, 21, from Wayanad; Gopika, 21, from Palakkad; and Eyas, also reported as Iyas or Ijaz, 21, from Karnataka. The three were colleagues at a commercial establishment in Thrikkakara, Kochi, and were travelling together on a scooter when the accident occurred.
According to reports, the impact was severe enough to drag the scooter for nearly 100 metres before the car came to a halt. The incident has raised concerns about road safety and the dangers of high-speed driving, particularly when combined with suspected alcohol consumption.
Police have arrested Suhail and the three other occupants of the car. The co-passengers have also been booked in connection with allegations that they allowed or encouraged Suhail to drive despite being aware of his condition.
Police suspect excessive speed and alcohol consumption
Investigators have said that Suhail allegedly drove at around 120 kmph on the airport road. Reports also indicate that he told police he had been drinking before the accident. His precise level of intoxication at the time of the collision remains subject to the findings of the investigation and relevant test reports.
Police are examining CCTV footage, records from the establishments visited by the group and other available evidence to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash. Investigators are also seeking technical evidence from the vehicle, including its Event Data Recorder, to assess the car’s speed, braking and steering inputs before the collision.
An earlier video reportedly shared on social media has also drawn attention to allegations of reckless driving. The footage appears to show the vehicle’s speedometer reaching approximately 218–220 kmph on a previous occasion.
Also Read :- CMRL Pay-Off Case: Kerala Vigilance Registers Two FIRs Against Pinarayi Vijayan, Family Moves High Court
Three bars booked
The Excise Department has registered cases against three establishments identified in reports as Daya in Kadavanthra, Monsoon Empress in Palarivattom and the bar at Courtyard by Marriott in Nedumbassery. Investigators suspect that Suhail and some of his companions consumed alcohol at these establishments before the fatal journey.
The cases have been registered under Sections 15B and 56(b) of the Kerala Abkari Act. Section 15B prohibits the sale of liquor to people below the prescribed legal age of 23, while Section 56(b) concerns violations of licence conditions.
According to reports, the Excise Department is relying on CCTV footage and other records to establish whether alcohol was served in violation of the law. The age of the driver was checked during the investigation, and the department is examining the establishments’ compliance with licensing requirements.
Government signals stricter enforcement
The incident has prompted the state government to focus on enforcing the legal drinking-age restrictions more rigorously. Excise Minister M. Liju has warned that establishments found serving alcohol to people below 23 will face strict action. The department has already initiated proceedings against the three bars linked to the investigation.
The proposed tightening of enforcement is aimed at preventing establishments from serving alcohol to customers who do not meet the state’s legal age requirement. Officials are examining evidence related to the alleged transactions and whether the bars followed the mandatory procedures governing alcohol sales.
Investigation continues as police examine the role of the occupants
The inquiry is not limited to the driver and the bars. Police have also registered cases against the three people travelling with Suhail, alleging that they allowed him to drive despite knowing that he had consumed alcohol. The allegations are being examined as part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Investigators are expected to rely on witness statements, CCTV footage and technical evidence to establish the sequence of events. The Motor Vehicles Department has also initiated proceedings concerning Suhail’s driving licence.
The government has indicated that it intends to take a strict approach towards establishments found breaking the law. The outcome of the investigation will be important not only for the case itself but also for the enforcement of drinking-age restrictions across Keralam.