Kerala High Court grants bail to three of four accused in Nedumbassery car crash

The Kerala High Court on November 6, 2026, granted bail to three accused in the Nedumbassery car crash case while ordering continued custody for the primary accused. Joel S. Antho, Ninav, and Ameen Shah—passengers in the vehicle at the time of the incident—were granted bail. Suhail Sajeev, the driver, will remain in custody until November 16, 2026, when the court ordered his release on condition that the investigation is completed by that date.

The accident occurred on October 11, 2026, at approximately 12:30 a.m. on the Nedumbassery Airport–Attani road when a Mini Cooper driven by Sajeev collided with a motorcycle carrying three people. The three victims—Devika (from Wayanad), Gopika (from Palakkad), and Iyas (from Sullia, Karnataka)—died at the scene. Technical analysis of the vehicle's Advanced Crash Safety Module showed the car was traveling at 162 kilometers per hour five seconds before impact and at 144 kilometers per hour at the moment of collision. Brakes were applied only one second before impact.

Sajeev faces culpable homicide charges; the three passengers face charges of abetment. The court noted that the charges against the passengers lack direct foundation and observed that Sajeev's continued detention required stronger justification. The prosecution opposed bail, arguing investigation remained incomplete and citing allegations that Sajeev was intoxicated and drove recklessly. Sajeev's counsel argued the investigation was substantially complete, described the incident as "unfortunate," and noted Sajeev was a B.Com second-year student and academically accomplished. Two lower courts—the Angamali Magistrate Court and Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court—had previously rejected bail applications.