Kerala hit-and-run: Actor Maniyanpilla Raju tells cops he fled crash scene to rush to ailing wife

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Actor Maniyanpilla Raju appeared before the Museum Police on Friday in connection with a hit-and-run accident at Vazhuthacaud that left two youths seriously injured.In his statement to the police, the actor claimed that the motorcycle involved in the accident was speeding and had hit his car.

He said he did not stop at the scene, as his wife was alone at home and he was suffering from chikungunya.The accident occurred around 10 pm on Thursday in front of the Trivandrum Club at Vazhuthacaud, when a car allegedly rammed into a Royal Enfield motorcycle carrying two youths. The injured were identified as Sooraj ,20, and Nivedith Krishna ,20, both residents of Thiruvananthapuram. Sooraj sustained fractures to his left leg and shoulder, while Nivedith suffered injuries to his head and legs.

Both were admitted to a private hospital in the city and are undergoing treatment.Police said the actor would be subjected to a medical examination and that further investigation is under way.However, the actor claimed that he had informed the police immediately after the incident and assured them that he would appear at the police station the next day.A case has been registered under Sections 281 (rash or negligent driving on a public way endangering human life) and 125(a) (acts endangering the life or personal safety of others) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 134(A) (failure to take reasonable steps to secure medical attention for the injured).