Thiruvananthapuram, February 6: In a shocking turn of events, veteran Malayalam actor and producer Manian Pillai Raju has been arrested by local police in connection with a hit-and-run incident late last night. The actor, known for his versatile roles across hundreds of films, allegedly fled the scene after his car collided with a two-wheeler near Trivandrum Club, leaving two individuals critically injured.
Police reports detail that the accident occurred around 9:30 PM when Raju’s vehicle struck a Royal Enfield motorcycle carrying two riders. Instead of stopping to assist, the car sped away, prompting an immediate investigation. CCTV footage and the vehicle’s number plate led authorities straight to the actor’s doorstep. Officers apprehended him early this morning, charging him with rash driving and failing to stop after an accident.
The victims, whose identities remain undisclosed, were rushed to a nearby hospital with severe injuries. Medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilize their conditions, which doctors describe as precarious. As part of standard procedure, Raju underwent a medical examination, including blood tests to check for alcohol influence. Should traces be found, additional charges under motor vehicle laws could follow, escalating the case significantly.
Manian Pillai Raju, a towering figure in Malayalam cinema since his debut in the 1976 film ‘Mohiniyattam,’ rose to stardom with ‘Manianpilla Adhava Manianpilla’ in 1981. Over four decades, he has delivered memorable performances in comedies, dramas, and serious roles, appearing in over 400 films. Beyond acting, his production ventures like ‘Hai Auto’ (1990), ‘Anandabhadram’ (2005), ‘Chota Mumbai’ (2007), and ‘Pavada’ (2015) have earned critical acclaim and box-office success.
This incident marks a dramatic fall from grace for the beloved star, who has largely stayed out of controversies in recent years. Fans and industry peers are awaiting further developments, while police urge witnesses to come forward. The case underscores the strict enforcement of traffic laws, regardless of one’s celebrity status, sending a strong message across Kerala.