Thiruvananthapuram: Police on Tuesday are questioning the accused lorry driver in connection with the death of journalist S. V. Pradeep.

Police traced the lorry and took it into custody from Enchakkal around noon on Tuesday along with its driver Joy. As there were suspicions regarding the death of Pradeep, the police are gearing up to probe all angles of the case.

The lorry, bearing the registration number KL 01 CK 6949, was spotted at Enchakkal in Thiruvananthapuram city. Police also took lorry driver Peroorkkada native Joy into custody. According to Joy, the accident took place when he was transporting M-Sand to Vellayani area.

I did not stop after the accident as I was afraid. Lorry owner Mohanan was along with me when the accident took place. After the accident, I did not unload at Vellayani and instead went to Peeroorkkada via Thrikkannapuram, the driver told the police. Following this the lorry was taken to Enchakkal.

SV Pradeep died in the accident that took place near Karakkamandapam in the district. A lorry coming from the same direction rammed the bike on which Pradeep was travelling. A special investigation squad led by the Fort Assistant Commissioner was formed to investigate the case after it was alleged that there was mystery behind the death.

The lack of CCTVs installed by traffic police in the area was a challenge for the investigation team. However, they examined other CCTVs in the region and found out that the vehicle which hit Pradeep was a tipper lorry. Following this, they intensified the search and traced the lorry within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Pradeep’s family claimed that he had received threats and suspected that Pradeep’s accident was planned.

Pradeep’s mother Vasanthakumari said that he was cheated and that she doubts whether Pradeep’s opinions led to the accident. Pradeep’s sister Preeja S Nair stated that he faced threats from people including on social media.

Pradeep’s mother’s statement was recorded by the Fort Assistant Commissioner at Nemom police station.