Malayalam Actor Maniyanpilla Raju arrested in hit-and-run case

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 6 (UNI) Veteran Malayalam film actor Maniyanpilla Raju was arrested by the Museum Police on Friday in connection with a hit-and-run incident reported in the state capital.
According to police, the incident occurred late on Thursday night near the Trivandrum Club at Vazhuthacaud, when a car allegedly driven by the actor rammed into a motorcycle carrying two youths and fled the scene.
The injured riders, identified as Sooraj (20) and Niveedith Krishna (20), sustained serious injuries and were admitted to a private hospital.
A case was registered against the actor under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash and negligent driving and failing to stop and provide assistance after the accident. Police said CCTV footage from the area helped establish the involvement of the vehicle.
After his arrest, Maniyanpilla Raju was taken for a medical examination. In his statement, the actor reportedly admitted that he was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident but claimed he panicked and left the spot. He also told police that his health condition affected his response following the collision.
Police have seized the vehicle involved and further investigation is under way to ascertain all circumstances leading to the incident.