Kerala Actor Maniyanpilla Raju Detained in Hit-and-Run Incident

Actor and producer Maniyanpilla Raju was detained by the Thiruvananthapuram City police in relation to a hit-and-run incident that occurred late on the night of February 5, 2026. The incident involved Raju's vehicle colliding with a motorcycle, resulting in serious injuries to two young men. Both individuals, identified as Sooraj and Nivedith Krishna, aged 20, were transported to nearby hospitals where they underwent emergency surgeries for significant leg and spinal injuries.

The police report states that the accident took place around 10 p.m. as Raju was exiting the Trivandrum Club located in Vazhuthacaud. Following the incident, Raju appeared at the Museum police station approximately 12 hours later. He was subsequently granted station bail following a medical examination at the General Hospital, with the results of the examination still pending.

According to investigators, CCTV footage shows Raju's vehicle crossing into oncoming traffic before striking the motorcycle. Despite the serious nature of the crash, there are allegations that Raju left the scene without checking on the victims. Upon arrival at the police station, he alleged that the motorcycle collided with his car and expressed that he had panicked after hearing the impact, stating it was a misstep to leave the scene without rendering assistance.

Raju’s vehicle, registered in his actual name, Sudheer Kumar Raju, was later found abandoned near the Trivandrum Tennis Club. The police confirmed that a detached number plate and damaged parts were recovered from the accident site.

Officials have charged Raju under several legal provisions, including pursuant to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act, specifically for rash driving and failure to report an accident. District Police Chief K. Karthick has ordered an inquiry into the actions of the local police in handling the case, amid growing criticism regarding potential favours granted to Raju due to his fame in the film industry.

Raju has publicly mentioned he suffers from cancer and asserted that he had not consumed alcohol prior to the accident. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the police are expected to release further updates as more information becomes available.