Maniyanpilla Raju’s car hits bike in TVM, 2 youths hospitalised

Thiruvananthapuram: Police have registered a case and launched a search for actor Maniyanpilla Raju in connection with a hit-and-run incident in which two bike riders were seriously injured near the Trivandrum Club at Vazhuthacaud on Thursday night.

According to the FIR registered at the Museum police station, the accident occurred at around 9.30 pm on February 5 when a car bearing registration number KL 01 CJ 0004 allegedly hit a Royal Enfield motorcycle carrying two youths. The car was reportedly driven in a rash and negligent manner after exiting the Trivandrum Club, endangering human life.

The injured have been identified as Sooraj, 20, and Nidev, 20, both residents of Thiruvananthapuram. Police said Sooraj sustained fractures to his left leg and shoulder, while Nidev suffered injuries to his head and legs. Both were admitted to a private hospital in the city for treatment.

The FIR states that the driver of the car failed to stop the vehicle after the accident, did not provide first aid to the injured, and did not inform the police or other authorities before fleeing the scene.

Based on registration records, police confirmed that the car involved in the accident is registered in the name of Sudheer Kumar Raju, the actor’s real name. However, investigators are yet to ascertain whether Maniyanpilla Raju himself was driving the car at the time of the accident or whether it was driven by someone else.

Police recovered a dislodged number plate from the accident site, which helped identify the vehicle. Museum police visited the actor’s residence twice but were unable to locate him or the car. Multiple attempts to contact him over the phone were unsuccessful as his mobile remained switched off.

A case has been registered under Sections 281 and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 134(A) and 134(B) of the Motor Vehicles Act.