Kerala Actor Maniyanpilla Raju at Center of Hit-and-Run Controversy Amid Police Probe
A high-profile hit-and-run incident involving veteran Malayalam actor Maniyanpilla Raju has erupted into a major controversy in Thiruvananthapuram, with serious allegations emerging about potential lapses in police investigation procedures following the Thursday night accident.
Details of the Late-Night Collision Near Trivandrum Club
The incident occurred around 10 PM on Thursday evening as the actor was exiting the premises of the prestigious Trivandrum Club. CCTV footage clearly captures a speeding two-wheeler colliding with the front bumper of the car driven by Raju, violently throwing both riders onto the road and causing what authorities describe as serious, potentially life-altering injuries.
Eyewitness accounts and video evidence confirm that the actor's vehicle did not stop at the scene and departed immediately following the collision, setting in motion a chain of events that would raise questions about police responsiveness and procedural adherence.
Victims Identified with Serious Injuries Requiring Hospitalization
The two injured individuals have been identified as Sooraj, aged 20, and Nivedith Krishna, also 20, both residents of Thiruvananthapuram. Medical reports indicate Sooraj sustained multiple fractures to his left leg and shoulder, while Nivedith suffered significant injuries to his spine and both legs.
Both young men are currently undergoing extensive treatment at private hospitals within the city, with their conditions being closely monitored by medical professionals. The severity of their injuries has amplified public concern about the incident's aftermath.
Police Response and Allegations of Investigation Delays
According to preliminary police reports, Raju switched off his mobile phone shortly after the accident and did not return to his residence that night. While authorities successfully traced the vehicle ownership records on the same evening, serious questions have emerged about whether sufficient efforts were made to locate either the actor or the vehicle immediately following the collision.
Multiple sources have alleged that police may have attempted to shield the prominent actor, prompting Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner K. Karthik to order a formal probe into potential investigative lapses. Commissioner Karthik confirmed that police visited Raju's residence on Thursday night but found the house securely locked with no sign of the actor or the vehicle involved in the incident.
Twelve-Hour Delay in Medical Examination Raises Eyebrows
Raju finally appeared before police authorities on Friday morning around 9:30 AM and was subsequently taken to the general hospital for mandatory medical examination. Critics have pointed out that the crucial alcohol test was conducted nearly twelve hours after the initial accident, potentially compromising the accuracy and evidentiary value of the results.
While the actor claimed he returned home soon after the incident, police maintain that his residence was completely locked when they conducted their nighttime check, creating conflicting narratives about his whereabouts during the critical hours following the collision.
Vehicle Recovery and Actor's Explanation
The car involved in the accident was eventually recovered on Friday morning from a road situated behind the Tennis Club, located in close proximity to the residence of the actor's son. This discovery has added another layer to the unfolding investigation.
In his official statement, Raju explained his actions by saying, "Soon after the bike hit the bumper of my car, I realized that the people traveling on the bike had fallen on the road. I got frightened and immediately called my friends who were present at the club and asked them to help the bikers. I was having fever and my wife was alone at home. So, I left the spot immediately. I had called up the Museum police station and informed them about the accident. I told them I would come to the station this morning and report."
Legal Charges and Current Status
The actor has been formally charged under multiple sections of Indian law, including:
- Section 281 (rash or negligent driving endangering human life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Section 125(a) (acts endangering the life or personal safety of others) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Section 134(A) (failure to provide medical assistance to accident victims) of the Motor Vehicles Act
- Section 134(B) (failure to report an accident to police) of the Motor Vehicles Act
Following his medical examination, Raju was released on station bail as the investigation continues to unfold. The police probe ordered by Commissioner Karthik is expected to examine all aspects of the case, including the timeline of police response, evidence collection procedures, and whether proper protocols were followed in dealing with the high-profile incident.
The case has sparked widespread discussion about celebrity accountability, police transparency, and road safety protocols in Kerala, with many citizens calling for a thorough and impartial investigation regardless of the individuals involved.
