The Kerala High Court has granted regular bail to four accused in the October 11 Mini Cooper crash near Kochi Airport, which resulted in the deaths of three youngsters. Justice Kauser Edappagath allowed their bail applications on November 6, 2026, directing that the alleged driver, Suhail Sajeev, be released after 10 days, while the remaining three accused were granted bail without any such delay.
Background
According to the prosecution, Sajeev was driving under the influence of alcohol and at excessive speed when the collision occurred. The three people travelling on the scooter, identified as Eyas, Devika and Gopika, died in the accident.
The police registered a case under Sections 281, 105, 49 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The four accused were arrested following the incident. Their bail applications were earlier rejected by the Angamaly Magistrate Court and the Ernakulam Sessions Court.
During the hearing, Justice Edappagath considered that the accused had remained in judicial custody for nearly a month and had undergone police interrogation on two occasions. The Court also took note of the progress of the investigation, their young age and the absence of previous criminal antecedents.
The Court observed:
"Now the investigation has come to the conclusion. Whether they have requisite knowledge or not. Everything has been collected. Mere consumption of alcohol or overspeeding, we cannot jump to the conclusion that they had requisite knowledge. Of course, these are primary pieces of evidence."
The Court further questioned the necessity of continuing their detention after the investigation had substantially progressed, observing:
"Three innocent people died. Accused in early twenties. They have no criminal antecedents. They are students. Twice police custody has been given. Investigation, everything is over. They have been in custody for almost a month. There must be some reason for them to continue in custody."
The High Court granted regular bail to all four accused. However, it directed that Suhail Sajeev be released only after 10 days, while Ninav, Joyal S. Anto and Ameen Shah were granted bail without the additional waiting period, subject to applicable conditions.
