Maniyanpilla Raju hit and run: What happened last night which led to the surrender of Malayalam veteran actor?

In a shocking development for the Malayalam film industry, veteran actor and producer Miyanpillai Raju was arrested following a dramatic hit-and-run incident in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram. The accident, which occurred late Thursday night, has left two young men hospitalized with serious injuries, sparking a debate over road safety and celebrity accountability.

Maniyanpilla Raju accident: What happened?

The incident unfolded around 9:30 pm on February 5, 2026, as the actor was exiting the Trivandrum Club at Vazhuthacaud. According to the Museum police, Raju’s car allegedly struck a motorcycle carrying two youths—Sooraj (20) and Nivedith Krishna (20)—while attempting a sudden U-turn towards Kowdiar. Instead of stopping to offer medical assistance, the actor allegedly fled the scene, a claim backed by local security personnel and emerging CCTV footage.

The victims sustained severe injuries, with one suffering multiple fractures to his left leg and shoulder, while the other sustained head and spinal injuries. They are currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the city. Investigators were able to trace the vehicle immediately after finding a dislodged number plate (KL-01-CJ-0004) and broken bumper parts at the crash site.

Maniyanpillai Raju’s Statement and Formal Arrest

After initially being unreachable with his phone switched off, the actor appeared before the Museum Police on Friday morning, February 6. Following his surrender, the police officially recorded his arrest and took him for a mandatory medical examination.

In his statement, Raju admitted he was behind the wheel but claimed he "panicked" and left because his wife was alone at home. He further cited his health—noting he is a cancer survivor currently battling chikungunya—as a reason for his delayed response. Despite his claims that the motorcycle was speeding and hit his car, police have registered an FIR under several serious sections:

• Section 281 of BNS: Rash or negligent driving on a public way.
• Section 125(a) of BNS: Endangering the life or personal safety of others.
• Sections 134(A) & 134(B) of the MV Act: Failure to provide medical aid and report the accident.

Watch Maniyanpilla Raju's accident video here:

The Legacy of Sudheer Kumar Raju

While the industry knows him by his stage name, the vehicle involved was registered under his official name, Sudheer Kumar Raju. With a career spanning over 400 films, Raju is a staple of Malayalam cinema, known for both his comic timing and his successful production house. His most recent professional appearance was in the film Bha Bha Bha, starring Dileep and featuring a cameo by Mohanlal. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the condition of the two young victims and the legal repercussions for one of Mollywood's most recognizable veterans.