Kochi: In a reckless act that could have ended in tragedy, a 26-year-old man drove his SUV reportedly under the influence of alcohol and rammed several vehicles on MG Road in Kochi on Sunday night. The CCTV  visuals show the car trying to overtake a container truck from the left side in heavy rain, losing control and crashing into a line of parked cars near Medical Trust Hospital.

The driver, identified as Nijeesh Najeeb, a native of Kottarakkara in Kollam, was arrested by the Ernakulam Town South police soon after a brief chase as he did not stop after the accident. The incident occurred around 11.20 pm when Najeeb, who came to attend a function in Kochi, reportedly consumed alcohol at a bar on MG Road before setting off in his SUV.

"Instead of heading back to his room in Ernakulam North, he drove towards the South and began speeding through the city. He hit around four parked vehicles but didn’t stop," police said.

No injuries were reported, though around four vehicles suffered extensive damage. The police have registered a case of rash and drunken driving based on complaints from the vehicle owners. CCTV footage of the crash has been collected as part of the ongoing investigation.