Malayalam Actor Maniyanpilla Raju Involved in Serious Road Accident, Arrested and Released on Bail
In a distressing incident in Thiruvananthapuram, Malayalam actor Maniyanpilla Raju has been arrested and subsequently released on bail following a hit-and-run accident that left two young men with severe injuries. The case has drawn significant attention due to the actor's celebrity status and the serious nature of the allegations.
Details of the Accident and Injuries
The accident occurred around 9:30 PM on Thursday in front of the Trivandrum Club on the Vellayambalam-Vazhuthakkad road. According to the Museum police, Raju was driving his car after attending an event at Subrahmanium Hall when his vehicle collided with a motorcycle. The impact resulted in serious injuries to the two riders, identified as Sooraj (20) and Nidev (20), both residents of Thiruvananthapuram. They suffered multiple fractures and were rushed to a hospital by bystanders who gathered at the scene.
Police reported that Raju did not stop his vehicle after the collision and left the area without attending to the injured individuals. This action has led to additional charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act.
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
A case has been registered against the driver of the car for rash driving, negligent acts endangering life, and refusing to attend to persons injured in an accident. Following a preliminary investigation, police confirmed that Maniyanpilla Raju was indeed driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.
Raju appeared at the Museum police station on Friday morning, where he was arrested. He was then taken to a government hospital for a blood test to check for alcohol consumption. After the test, he was brought back to the police station, where his arrest was formally recorded, and he was released on bail. The car involved in the accident has been recovered and shifted to the Museum police station for examination by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD).
Raju's Statement and Defense
Speaking to reporters outside the police station, Maniyanpilla Raju provided his version of events. He claimed that a motorcycle hit his car while he was driving slowly to cross the road. Raju stated that he heard a noise and saw someone fall but left the scene due to health concerns. He explained that he is a cancer patient and has been diagnosed with chikungunya, and his wife was alone at home, which prompted his departure.
Raju added that he contacted a person to arrange an ambulance for the injured and informed the police of his inability to appear at night, promising to come in the morning. He also mentioned that he would surrender the vehicle to the authorities.
Ongoing Probe and Official Response
In response to the incident, Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner K Karthick has ordered a detailed probe. Directions have been issued to the concerned Assistant Commissioner of Police to investigate all aspects of the case, including the delay in taking Raju into custody, and to submit a report. The investigation will also involve examining CCTV footage from the area to verify the sequence of events.
This case highlights the serious consequences of traffic violations and the legal responsibilities of drivers, especially in hit-and-run scenarios. The community awaits further developments as the police continue their investigation into this unfortunate event.
