Malayalam Actor Maniyanpilla Raju Faces Hit-and-Run Allegations After Accident in Thiruvananthapuram
Veteran Malayalam actor Maniyanpilla Raju has been embroiled in a serious legal controversy following a hit-and-run incident in Thiruvananthapuram. The 70-year-old actor, a cancer survivor, is accused of fleeing the scene after his car collided with a motorcycle, leaving two young men injured, one critically.
Details of the Accident and Police Investigation
According to police reports, the accident occurred around 9:30 PM on Thursday night on the Vellayambalam-Vazhuthakkad road, in front of the Trivandrum Club. Raju's car reportedly rammed into a motorcycle carrying two residents of Thiruvananthapuram, identified as Sooraj (20) and Nidev (20). Both victims sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital for treatment, with one reported to be in critical condition.
The police traced the vehicle involved in the accident to Raju's ownership. However, during initial investigations, officers were unable to locate him at his residence after two visits. On Friday morning, Raju voluntarily arrived at the Museum police station to provide his statement regarding the incident.
Raju's Explanation and Health Concerns
While speaking to reporters outside the police station, Maniyanpilla Raju offered an explanation for his actions. He stated, "I panicked after the accident and returned home. I am a cancer survivor and am currently suffering from chikungunya. I heard a sound and saw someone fall. I was unable to help them at that point. My wife was also alone at home. However, I informed others to help the injured."
Despite his claims of informing others to assist the victims, authorities have registered a case against him under multiple legal provisions. The charges include Sections 281 and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 134 (A) and 134 (B) of the Motor Vehicles Act, highlighting the severity of the hit-and-run allegations.
Background of Maniyanpilla Raju
Maniyanpilla Raju is a well-known figure in the Malayalam film industry, with a career spanning over five decades. He has appeared in more than 400 films, making his debut in Mohiniyaattam (1976) and gaining significant popularity after his role in Maniyanpilla Adhava Maniyanpilla (1981). Beyond acting, Raju has also produced several notable films, including:
- Aye Auto (1990)
- Anandabhadran (2005)
- Chotta Mumbai (2007)
- Pavada (2015)
- Ganagandharvan (2019)
This incident marks a significant setback for the actor, who has previously battled health challenges, including cancer. The case continues to develop as police proceed with their investigation into the hit-and-run accident.
