Kochi, 28 Oct (H.S.): The Ernakulam District and Sessions Court will pronounce its verdict today on the bail applications of 19-year-old Suhail Sajeev and the other accused in the Nedumbassery Mini Cooper accident case, amid prosecution concerns over pending witness statements.

The accused moved their bail applications after completing 14 days in judicial custody. Arguments on the petitions concluded last Monday, with the defence seeking their release on the grounds that the investigation had been completed.

The prosecution opposed the applications, maintaining that statements from witnesses were yet to be recorded. It urged the court against granting bail at this stage, citing the pending examination of witnesses as a reason for continuing their detention.

Meanwhile, the emergence of fresh CCTV footage and additional evidence could prompt police to seek custody of the accused again. These developments form the backdrop to the court’s decision on whether they should be released on bail.

The prosecution may also raise concerns that the accused, who are financially well placed, could influence witnesses if released. This potential objection would be in addition to its submission that the recording of witness statements remains incomplete.

A voice message attributed to Joel, the third accused, has added a further dimension to the case. Police have submitted the recording before the court, treating it as material that could strengthen the allegations against Suhail, the principal accused.

Joel reportedly sent the message to a friend at 9.25 a.m. after the accident. Its contents allegedly indicate that the vehicle was driven under the influence of alcohol.

The recording, along with the newly available CCTV footage and other evidence, is significant to the continuing investigation. The bail pleas thus come before the court with the defence asserting that the probe is complete and the prosecution stressing that witness statements still need to be formally recorded.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman