Tensions reigned in Kilimanoor on Tuesday after relatives of a couple who died following a road accident allegedly played an unauthorized role in the case.
The protest was held on MC Road outside the Kilimanoor police station where the body of 39-year-old Rajith, who hailed from Kunnummal, was kept. When the police tried to clear the road by force to allow traffic, there were clashes between the protesters and the police.
The accident took place on January 3 at Pappala near Kilimanoor when a speeding jeep hit a motorcycle on which Rajith and his wife Ambika were travelling. Ambika, who sustained serious injuries, died on January 7 while undergoing treatment.
Rajith, who sustained severe leg injuries, was discharged from hospital but collapsed at home and died on Monday evening.
The protesters claimed that the three people who were inside the jeep fled the spot immediately after the accident. One person, allegedly in a drunken state, was detained by residents and handed over to the police. The jeep was subsequently taken to a police cell. A government employee’s identity card was reportedly found inside the vehicle, but the remaining accused have not been arrested even after 15 days, relatives said.
Another suspicion arose when the jeep was set on fire in police custody the day before. Since the arrested person was also released on station bail, the family intensified their criticism that the accused persons are being protected by the police.
The deceased couple is survived by two children aged five and one and a half years.
Published – 20 Jan 2026 21:01 IST
