Senior Actor Maniyanpilla Raju Booked After Car Hits Two in Alleged Hit-and-Run
Two youths suffer severe injuries after late-night crash; actor booked for rash driving and leaving the scene
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 06 : Veteran Malayalam actor Maniyanpilla Raju was detained by police following an alleged hit and run that left two 20-year-olds seriously injured on a busy city road late Thursday night.
The accident occurred around 9.30 pm on the Vellayambalam–Vazhuthacaud stretch near the Trivandrum Club. Police said a white car, reportedly driven by the actor, collided with a motorcycle carrying two young men before leaving the spot without offering assistance. The victims were identified as Sooraj and Niveedith Krishna, both residents of Thiruvananthapuram.
Both riders sustained significant injuries and were shifted to a private hospital. Authorities confirmed that one suffered a fractured leg, while the other is undergoing treatment for a spinal injury. Doctors are closely monitoring their condition.
Investigators relied on CCTV footage from the area to trace the vehicle. The video allegedly shows the car moving ahead as the motorcycle approaches from the right, followed by the impact that threw the riders onto the road. The vehicle is then seen departing the scene, prompting criticism and public concern.
After a preliminary inquiry, police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act, citing rash and negligent driving as well as failure to assist the injured. Officials said the actor was not immediately reachable after the incident but appeared at the police station on Friday morning, where he was taken into custody and sent for a medical examination. The car involved in the crash has been seized, and further investigation is ongoing.
Addressing the media, Raju acknowledged that he was behind the wheel but maintained that the motorcycle struck his car. He said he panicked after hearing the impact and contacted an acquaintance to arrange an ambulance. The actor also pointed to his health condition, stating that he is undergoing treatment for cancer and had recently been diagnosed with chikungunya, while his wife was alone at home. He added that he informed police about his inability to appear at night and committed to presenting himself the following day.
