1.8 gm of ganja, hookah seized from car in Kochi crash that killed two youths

Kochi: Police have seized 1.8 gm of ganja and a hookah from the car involved in Saturday’s fatal crash in which two youths died and two others were critically injured. Elamakkara Police registered a case under Section 20(b)(ii)(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for possession of a small quantity of cannabis.

Police said there is no evidence yet to confirm that the youths were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. With Yakub, the driver of the car, still in a coma, the investigation is progressing cautiously. The vehicle is registered in his father’s name. Officers are examining the source of the ganja and whether it was consumed before the accident.

The accident took place around 3.30 am when the Suzuki Swift they were travelling in hit the road median on Mamanglam Road and crashed into Kochi Metro Pillar No. 450. Haroon (20) of Vellakinar and Muneer (20) of Thathampally died on the spot. Yakub (20) and Adhil (20), both from Valiyamaram in Alappuzha, sustained serious injuries and were taken to a private hospital.

Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was speeding. “Prima facie, it appears the vehicle was being driven at excessive speed. Whether the driver dozed off is unclear. CCTV footage is being examined,” a police official said.

The impact destroyed the left side of the vehicle, and rescuers struggled to extricate the victims. A case under BNS Sections 281 (rash driving) and 106 (causing death by negligence) has been registered.