Kochi | Nooha, mother of Suhail, the prime accused in the Mini Cooper car crash that killed three youngsters at Nedumbassery, on Sunday expressed solidarity with the victims' families, saying she understands their pain and that her family will support them.
In a video posted on the Instagram page of Iha Design, owned by her, Nooha expressed condolences to the bereaved families and said the pain of losing a child was beyond imagination.
"When we raise our children with so much love, watch them grow up and look forward to their dreams and future, losing them midway is a pain beyond what we can even imagine. I understand that," she said.
"I am someone who understands the pain a mother or father goes through when they lose a child. I know that none of my words can lessen the immense grief the families are experiencing," she said.
Expressing support for the bereaved families, Nooha said she and her family will stand with them in their hour of grief.
"As a mother and as a member of society, I want to express my support for the family of the three youngsters. My family and I stand by them. As long as we are here, we will continue to support that family," she said.
She clarified that her statement was not intended to minimise or compare anyone's suffering, but was an expression of her own helplessness.
Regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident, Nooha said the investigation should proceed fairly, and the truth should come out.
"Let the investigation take its course and let the law proceed in accordance with the law. I only wish that everything is handled fairly and that only the truth comes out," she said.
Acknowledging the widespread discussion about the incident on social media, she appealed to people to show compassion and respect her family's privacy.
She said her family comprised four members and appealed to people not to circulate baseless reports about them.
"On one side, I am worried about my child's future and what lies ahead for him. At the same time, I am deeply saddened by the loss of the lives of those three youngsters. I do not know how to deal with both these emotions or what I should say or do," she said.
Meanwhile, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has issued a show cause notice to Suhail as part of proceedings to cancel or suspend his driving licence, officials said on Sunday.
The notice was issued by the Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer (RTO) based on a recommendation from the police investigating the accident, officials said.
The notice has asked for a reply within 14 days.
Further steps will be taken after hearing Suhail's response, they said.
MVD officials said the department received a detailed report from the police recommending cancellation of his driving licence.
Apart from reckless driving under the influence of liquor, police also found that the Mini Cooper's exhaust system had been modified, resulting in excessive noise, officials said.
Suhail (19) was allegedly driving the car when it rammed into a scooter carrying three youngsters on the airport road at Nedumbassery in the early hours of October 11.
The three victims, including two women, were around 21 years old.
Police have also arrested Ninav, Ameer and Joel in connection with the case. They were in the car when the accident happened.
According to the report submitted by the police before the Angamaly Judicial First Class Magistrate Court while opposing Suhail's bail plea, the alcohol concentration in his blood sample was recorded at 161 mg per 100 ml, while the urine sample showed 230 mg per 100 ml.
The reported blood alcohol concentration is substantially higher than the permissible limit of 30 mg per 100 ml under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The police investigation found that the vehicle was allegedly driven by Suhail at a speed exceeding 100 kmph on a public road while heavily intoxicated, with other accused accompanying him.
The permissible speed limit on the stretch was 60 or 70 kmph, according to the police report.
A court on Saturday dismissed the bail petitions of all four accused.