The family of M.P. Gopika, one of the three students killed when a luxury car rammed their scooter near Nedumbassery on October 11 has raised concerns over possible attempts to weaken the case against the prime accused, Suhail Sajeev, 19.
Gopika’s father M.R. Pradeep Kumar alleged here on Tuesday (October 13) that the accused’s family was using its influence to interfere with the investigation. He said he feared his daughter would not get justice.
“Soon after the incident, the accused said his father would take care of everything. We believe this shows the influence he has,” Mr. Kumar said.
He questioned the decision to send Suhail to the Borstal School at Thrikkakara, a detention facility for offenders aged 18 to 21, instead of a regular prison.
Seeks explanation
The family also questioned why the initial FIR did not mention that the accused had been drunk — an allegation levelled by many. The Excise department had booked a few bars for allegedly serving liquor to the accused hours before the accident. Mr. Kumar said the car was travelling at high speed when it hit the scooter, killing three young people, including his daughter. He sought an explanation for the omissions and decisions that, in his view, raised doubts about the investigation.
The case was registered under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Mr. Kumar also raised concerns about the collection of a blood sample after his daughter’s post-mortem examination. He alleged that the stitches on her body were reopened to collect the sample. He said he suspected that the procedure might have been carried out for a reason that needed to be explained. The allegation has not been independently established.
Social media narratives
The family fears that influential people could put pressure on the police. Mr. Kumar also alleged that attempts were being made on social media to tarnish the family’s reputation and portray Gopika in a negative light.
“She had never been involved in any controversy. Anyone can come to our place and ask about our family,” he said.
Mr. Kumar has lashed out at Hindu Aikya Vedi leader K.P. Sasikala and others for allegedly spreading defamatory claims about Gopika and her family.
The family said here on Tuesday that some people, including those who contested the elections, had made remarks questioning Gopika’s dignity. They urged political leaders and others to act responsibly and to show respect towards the family and their deceased daughter.
The family alleged that remarks made by Ms. Sasikala and other defamatory content were being widely circulated on social media.
They condemned the remarks questioning why a Hindu girl had gone with a Muslim youth, calling them deeply offensive and an attack on the secular values of society.
The family appealed to people to refrain from spreading communal claims and to respect their grief instead of making statements that could further hurt them.
Gopika, 21, daughter of Pradeep Kumar and Sajitha of Mullankuzhi House, Edakurissi, Mannarkkad, was the vice-chairperson of K.M.M. College of Arts and Science, Thrikkakara, and had been a National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteer for more than five years. Her family said she took an active part in social service.
The accident occurred around 1.45 a.m. on Sunday on the Airport Road near Athani. The three students, who had been working part-time at a commercial store, were returning after dinner when the speeding car hit their scooter.
The other victims were Devika, 21, also known as Kukku, daughter of Santhosh Kumar and Saritha of Madakkimala, Kalpetta; and Iyas, 21, son of Ibrahim and Rukiya from Sullia, Karnataka.
Gopika’s mother, Sajitha, broke down as she appealed for justice for her daughter. For the family, the loss is made harder by the fear that the circumstances surrounding the case may prevent the truth from emerging.
“We only want justice for our daughter,” the family said.
Published – October 13, 2026 05:10 pm IST
