Kerala books 3 bars over liquor sale to 19-yr-old in fatal crash

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s Excise Department has registered cases against three bars for allegedly serving alcohol to a 19-year-old driver involved in a car crash that killed three young people near Nedumbassery.

Excise Minister M. Liju informed the state Assembly on Tuesday that the establishments, located in Kadavanthra, Palarivattom and Nedumbassery, were accused of serving liquor to Suhail Sajeev, who was driving the Mini Cooper involved in the accident.

The legal drinking age in Kerala is 23. The minister said the government would take strict action against establishments found violating the rules and introduce clear guidelines to prevent such incidents.

The crash occurred around 2 am on Sunday near Cochin International Airport, when the speeding car struck a scooter carrying Iyas, Gopika and Devika. All three died. They were students who worked part-time at a craft shop in Thrikkakara.

Police have registered a case against Suhail for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Three other occupants of the car have also been arrested.

The case has raised questions about compliance with liquor-serving regulations and the responsibility of licensed bars to verify customers’ ages.

Gopika’s family has also alleged attempts to influence the investigation and shield the accused. Her father questioned the omission of the driver’s alleged intoxication from the initial FIR and raised concerns over his transfer to a Borstal School. The family has sought a high-level probe and alleged that social media posts were being used to damage Gopika’s reputation.

According to the FIR, the car was being driven at excessive speed and hit the scooter from behind. The Excise Department is examining the alleged violations by the three establishments, which could face penalties or licence action if the charges are established.

With IANS inputs