Nedumbassery car crash victim’s family fears case sabotage, seeks justice

The car that was involved in an accident that killed three students in Nedumbassery, Kochi, on October 11. | Photo Credit: ANI

The family of M.P. Gopika, one of the three students killed when a luxury car rammed their scooter near Nedumbassery on October 11 has raised concerns over possible attempts to weaken the case against the prime accused, Suhail Sajeev, 19.

Gopika’s father M.R. Pradeep Kumar alleged here on Tuesday (October 13) that the accused’s family was using its influence to interfere with the investigation. He said he feared his daughter would not get justice.

“Soon after the incident, the accused said his father would take care of everything. We believe this shows the influence he has,” Mr. Kumar said.

He questioned the decision to send Suhail to the Borstal School at Thrikkakara, a detention facility for offenders aged 18 to 21, instead of a regular prison.

Seeks explanation

The family also questioned why the initial FIR did not mention that the accused had been drunk — an allegation levelled by many. The Excise department had booked a few bars for allegedly serving liquor to the accused hours before the accident. Mr. Kumar said the car was travelling at high speed when it hit the scooter, killing three young people, including his daughter. He sought an explanation for the omissions and decisions that, in his view, raised doubts about the investigation.