Hit-and-run twist in fatal accident in Kerala capital; car driver nabbed based on CCTV evidence

A day after two young IT professionals were killed in what was initially believed to be a self-skid motorcycle accident in Kerala capital Thiruvananthapuram, the investigation has taken a dramatic turn.

The Thiruvananthapuram City police on Friday apprehended the driver of a car after establishing that the motorcycle had been hit from behind before the vehicle sped away from the scene in Thiruvallam. The breakthrough came after investigators reviewed CCTV footage and traced the damaged car to its owner, who has reportedly confessed to causing the crash and fleeing without stopping.

The victims were identified as Naveen Siby, 25, of Ernakulam, and Mridula Ann Oommen, 25, of Thodupuzha. Both were IT professionals who were employed at prominent companies in Kazhakuttam.

According to the Thiruvallam police, the two friends were travelling from Thiruvallam towards Kovalam on Thursday to celebrate Naveen’s birthday, when the accident occurred shortly after the Thiruvallam toll plaza.

Initial reports suggested that the motorcycle had skidded out of control before crashing into the road divider and an electric post. However, investigators grew suspicious after examining the accident scene.

The police found that the nature of the impact and the distance Mridula had been thrown from the motorcycle did not match a typical self-skid accident. She was flung several metres away before hitting the road. This prompted a detailed review of CCTV footage from nearby locations.

Damage on car

The visuals revealed a car travelling immediately behind the motorcycle moments before the crash. Further investigation enabled the investigation team to identify the vehicle and trace it to the residence of the owner in Malayinkeezhu. During an inspection, officers found damage on the car which is purportedly consistent with a collision. The driver, identified as Vishnu, has been taken into custody for questioning.

According to the police, Vishnu admitted during interrogation that his speeding car had struck the motorcycle from behind. He also allegedly confessed that he failed to stop after the collision and drove away from the scene.

Despite being rushed to the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital, Mridula and Naveen were both declared dead on arrival. Both succumbed to severe head injuries.