Two persons, including a 12-year-old girl, were killed after being knocked down by a car near Kazhakuttam on Thursday. It later emerged that the car driver was under the influence of alcohol.
The deceased were identified as Abdul Salam, 78, of Kavottumukku, near Vetturoad, and his granddaughter R.S. Aaliya Fathima, a Class 5 student of VSSC Central School, Thumba.
Abdul had picked up Aaliya from the Malamelparambu junction nearby and they were on their way home when the accident occurred around 4.30 p.m.
The car knocked down two parked motorcycles and brushed against a compound wall before hitting the duo. It came to a halt after ramming an electric post. Abdul was killed on the spot. Aaliya was rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital and later to a private hospital, before being pronounced dead.
Maheen, a native of Channankara, who drove the car, was arrested. He was found heavily drunk upon a medical examination at the Chirayinkeezhu government hospital.
Car vandalised
Local people vandalised the car and manhandled the accused, before handing him over to the police. Maheen, a non-resident Keralite, had worked with the Kerala Police 26 years ago, before quitting the job.
Abdul had retired as a teacher from the Government High School, Kaniyapuram. Aaliya is survived by her mother Rashida, Abdul’s second daughter, and her brother Adil. Rashida is an employee of VSSC. Her husband Sudheer was killed in a train accident three years ago.
