Veteran Malayalam actor Maniyanpilla Raju found himself at the centre of a serious police case after a hit-and-run incident near one of the busiest roads in Thiruvananthapuram.
According to police, the accident took place around 9.30 pm on Thursday night on the Vellayambalam-Vazhuthacaud road, right in front of the Trivandrum Club. A white car allegedly driven by Maniyanpilla Raju rammed into a motorcycle carrying two young men and then sped away without stopping.
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The riders, both just 20 years old, were thrown onto the road. They were later identified as Sooraj and Niveedith Krishna, residents of Thiruvananthapuram.
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Young riders seriously injured
Both victims suffered serious injuries and were rushed to a private hospital. Police confirmed that one of the youths sustained a leg fracture, while the other is being treated for a spinal injury. Their condition is being closely monitored.
The incident triggered public anger especially after details emerged that the car did not stop to help the injured.
CCTV footage tells a chilling story
#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: CCTV footage of the collision that occurred between actor Maniyanpilla Raju’s car and a bike on 5th February, injuring 2 people.
(Source: Police) https://t.co/a9cKXMQnko pic.twitter.com/xCZtHs5b2X
— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026
CCTV footage from the area played a key role in the investigation. The video reportedly shows the white car slowly moving forward when the bike approaches from the right side. The motorcycle crashes into the front of the car, the rider falls onto the road. And moments later, the car drives away without stopping.
Police said the footage helped establish the involvement of the vehicle.
Police action and arrest
Following a preliminary probe, police confirmed that the vehicle was driven by Maniyanpilla Raju. A case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act for rash and negligent driving and failing to attend to injured persons.
Raju remained reportedly unreachable for nearly ten hours after the incident. He appeared at the police station on Friday morning, after which he was arrested by the Museum Police and taken for a medical examination. The car involved has been seized, and further investigation is under way.
Raju’s version of events
Speaking to reporters, Raju admitted that he was driving the car but claimed the motorcycle hit his vehicle. He said he panicked after hearing the noise and seeing someone fall.
“I contacted a person and asked him to arrange an ambulance,” he said.
He also cited health issues for leaving the scene. Raju stated that he is a cancer patient and has recently been diagnosed with chikungunya. He added that his wife was alone at home at the time.
He further claimed that he informed the police at night about his inability to appear immediately and promised to present himself the next morning and surrender the vehicle.
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