The car that caused the accident in Nedumbassery that killed three people
Kochi: The excise department has suspended the liquor licences of three establishments in Ernakulam after cases were registered against them for allegedly serving liquor to a 19-year-old involved in a road accident that claimed three lives at Nedumbassery Airport Road on Oct 11. The excise department noted that Section 15B of the Abkari Act prohibits the sale or delivery of liquor to persons below 23 years of age. Cases were subsequently registered by the Aluva and Ernakulam excise range offices under Sections 15B, 56(b) read with Section 63 of the Abkari Act.
The police investigation into the accident involving Suhail Sajeev, who was driving under the influence of alcohol, revealed that liquor had been served to him at the three establishments, according to the orders. The establishments are Courtyard by Marriott, Nedumbassery; Daya by Renai at Polakulath Tourist Home, Vyttila; and Monsoon Empress, Palarivattom. The suspension orders were issued by excise commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, four accused in the accident case were remanded in police custody for a day. Angamaly judicial first class magistrate court granted their custody to the police until 5pm on Thursday. The court will consider the accused’s bail applications on Friday, after the custody period ends.
Section 26(b) of the Abkari Act empowers the excise commissioner to suspend or cancel a licence in case of violation of conditions. They have been given 15 days to show cause why their licences should not be cancelled. The order also states that violations of the Foreign Liquor Rules can attract a fine of Rs 1 lakh, cancellation of the licence, or both.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news. At Courtyard by Marriott, the case names licensee Rahul Vijayaraj and manager Manas Lal as accused. At Daya by Renai, manager Adil Divakar and licensee P N Krishnadas have been arrayed as accused. The case concerning Monsoon Empress names manager Arun and licensee Isaac Francis as the accused. The licences of all three establishments have been suspended with immediate effect. The deputy excise commissioner, Ernakulam, has been directed to take further action in the matter. Download the TOI App.