Beeyumma (71) lost her life, and her grandson Aflah (19) was critically injured on June 8 when their scooter was rammed from behind by a Bolero carrying five intoxicated youths from Kasaragod. The violence reportedly stemmed from a petty altercation after the scooter overtook their vehicle.
Initially, Akhil Kallingal (26), who was driving the Bolero, was charged under Section 304A of the BNS (causing death by negligence). However, following revelations from the recovering Aflah and CCTV footage, the case was reclassified as murder. Four individuals — Akhil, Prashanth Puthiyavalappu (21), Nidhi Pachillankara (20), and Nithin Narayanan (22) — were arrested. A 17-year-old minor involved will be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board.
The police confirmed that the Bolero occupants were drunk and had just left the Kottiyoor temple festival. After the scooter overtook them, the group became aggressive, chased Beeyumma and Aflah, and deliberately rammed the vehicle, dragging Aflah several metres. Beeyumma died instantly.
Meppadi SHO A U Jayaprakash stated, “The evidence and witness testimony, especially from Aflah, changed the course of the investigation. All five are now facing murder charges.”
Locals, including Shihab C, a relative of Beeyumma, believe the tragedy could have been avoided if any one of the passengers had acted responsibly. “They were all equally guilty. If even one had stopped Akhil, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Police recovered multiple bottles of liquor from the Bolero, strengthening the case that the crime was committed under the influence and with full intent.
