‘I panicked and drove on without stopping’: Maniyanpilla Raju admits driving, says bike struck car

Thiruvananthapuram: Actor Maniyanpilla Raju has responded to allegations that he fled the scene after the accident without stopping his vehicle. He said that the motorcycle had hit his car and that he did not stop because he was unwell.

The accident, which occurred near the Trivandrum Club at Vazhuthacaud in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday night, left two young men travelling on a motorcycle with serious injuries. The youths had earlier told police that the car driven by Maniyanpilla Raju had hit their bike. According to the FIR, the actor did not stop the vehicle after the accident.

Maniyanpilla Raju appeared before the Museum police station on Friday morning.

Explaining his version of events, the actor said, “At that moment, I panicked. The bike came and hit my vehicle. That can be seen on CCTV footage. I immediately called my friends and informed them that an accident had occurred. I asked them to arrange an ambulance and then informed the police station that I would come in the morning. I left because I was unwell. I have chikungunya. My wife was alone at home,” Maniyanpilla Raju said.

Meanwhile, police said they were unable to contact Maniyanpilla Raju on Thursday night. They added that he later informed them that he would appear on Friday morning. The injured motorcycle riders have been identified as Sooraj and Nivedith Krishna.

After he appeared at the police station, Maniyanpilla Raju was taken for a medical examination.