Police say the accused driver’s blood sample has been sent for testing, while three others travelling in the car have also been arrested
A 39-year-old Gulf returnee, his wife and their three-year-old son were killed after their motorcycle was allegedly hit by a speeding car in Kerala’s Kunnamkulam on September 5. The case has drawn scrutiny over the police response after the alleged driver remained at large for nearly 36 hours.
The victims were identified as Muneer, his wife Shafna, 28, and their son, Muhammad Ameen Ibac. The family had attended a wedding and were returning home when the crash occurred at Kurukkanpara on the Kunnamkulam-Guruvayur road at around 11.38pm.
According to the FIR, Muneer had stopped the motorcycle to answer a phone call when the car allegedly struck them. The impact reportedly threw the three victims nearly 50 metres from the motorcycle. They were taken to hospital by local residents but could not be saved.
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Police allege that the car was being driven by 31-year-old Ben of Arthat, who was allegedly speeding and under the influence of alcohol
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Investigators also allege that he fled the scene without arranging medical assistance or informing authorities
A lookout notice was issued on September 6 and police said searches were carried out, including checks at the accused’s residence and across state borders. Ben surrendered at Kunnamkulam police station on September 7 and was subsequently arrested. Three other occupants of the car — Ajith, Shijil and Danish — were arrested on September 8.
The delay has raised concerns over whether crucial evidence of alcohol consumption could have been lost. Police said Ben underwent a medical examination and that his blood sample was sent to the Regional Chemical Laboratory in Kakkanad.
Investigating officer Rohit Chevayur said the blood test was not the only evidence being considered. Legal experts, however, stressed that suspected drunk-driving cases require prompt medical examination.
The controversy has also revived memories of the 2019 death of journalist KM Basheer, in which questions were raised over the handling of allegations that IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman had been driving after drinking.
