New Year Celebrations Turn Tragic in Kochi
A joyous New Year's celebration ended in tragedy for two young men in Kochi early Thursday morning. Two youths, identified as Vaishnav, 21, and Smith, 20, were killed in a horrific road accident in the Vypeen area barely an hour after ringing in 2025.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The accident occurred on the Vypeen-Munambam Road. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Njarackal police, Smith was riding the motorcycle with Vaishnav riding pillion. While returning from New Year celebrations, near the Vishnu temple in Veliyathamparambu, the two-wheeler went out of control. It crashed into an electric post, violently throwing both riders off the vehicle.
Smith, the son of Sudhi from Veliyathamparambu, succumbed to his injuries at the accident spot soon after the crash. Vaishnav, the son of Baiju from Nayarambalam, was rushed to a hospital but tragically passed away by around 1 pm on Thursday.
Police Investigation and Procedures
The police have registered a case based on the statement of a relative of Smith. Smith's body was handed over to his family after a postmortem examination. The autopsy procedures for Vaishnav's body are scheduled to be conducted on Friday, as confirmed by the police officials handling the case.
Separate Case: Man Arrested for Theft in Kolanchery
In an unrelated incident, the Ernakulam Rural police arrested a man wanted in a theft case on Thursday. The accused, identified as Rashidul Islam, a 26-year-old from Assam, was apprehended by the Puthenkurish police.
He was allegedly involved in a theft at Lisa Fashion, a clothing store in Kolanchery, on December 24. Approximately Rs 1 lakh was stolen in the incident. Following the crime, the accused was hiding in an unoccupied house in Irumpalapady, Kothamangalam. Acting on confidential information, the police intercepted and arrested him.
