Reversal in fatal accident in Kerala capital; Car driver caught on CCTV evidence

A day after two young IT professionals were killed in an accident initially believed to be a skid steer motorcycle in the Kerala capital Thiruvananthapuram, the investigation has taken a dramatic turn.

The Thiruvananthapuram city police on Friday arrested the driver of the car after finding that the motorcycle had been hit from behind before the vehicle sped away from the scene in Thiruvallam. The breakthrough came after investigators examined CCTV footage and traced the damaged car to its owner, who allegedly admitted causing the accident and fled without stopping.

The victims were identified as Naveen Sibi (25) of Ernakulam and Mridula Ann Umman (25) of Thodupuzha. Both were IT professionals who were employed in leading companies in Kazhakuttam.

According to the Thiruvallam police, the two friends were traveling from Thiruvallam towards Kovalam on Thursday to celebrate Naveen’s birthday when the accident occurred shortly after the Thiruvallam toll plaza.

Initial reports indicated that the motorcycle went out of control before crashing into a divider and a power pole. However, after examining the scene of the accident, investigators became suspicious.

Officers determined that the nature of the impact and the distance Mridula was thrown from the motorcycle were not consistent with a typical skid-steer accident. She was thrown several meters away before hitting the road. This led to a detailed review of CCTV footage from nearby locations.

Shame on the car

Visual footage revealed that just before the crash, he was riding behind the motorcycle. Further investigations enabled the investigation team to identify the vehicle and trace it to the owner’s residence in Malayinkeezhu. During the inspection, the police found damage to the car, which is said to be consistent with a collision. The driver, identified as Vishnu, was taken into custody for questioning.

According to the police, during interrogation, Vishnu admitted that his speeder hit the motorcycle from behind. He also allegedly admitted that he failed to stop after the collision and fled the scene.

Despite being rushed to the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital, Mridula and Naveen were both declared dead on arrival. Both succumbed to severe head injuries.

Published – 10 Jul 2026 12:14 IST