Thiruvananthapuram, August 3: A 35-year-old journalist was killed in a road accident in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram in the wee hours of Saturday. The deceased journalist has been identified as KM Basheer. He was native of Malappuram. According to reports, Basheer’s bike was rammed by a car driven allegedly by an IAS officer. Sriram Venkatraman, the IAS was reportedly in an inebriated state. The accused was arrested by the Kerala Police. Himachal Pradesh: Woman Drives Car Outside Hyundai Mandi Showroom After Ramming Through Glass Pane; Watch Accident Video.

Basheer was working as the bureau chief of Siraj Daily. He was on his way home after attending an official meeting in Kollam when the accident took place. Basheer died on the spot. Venkitaraman who is also a Medical doctor had recently returned to the state after completing higher studies abroad. Venkitaraman was accompanied by his female friend Wafa Firoze who was also the owner of the luxury car. The incident took place near the Museum police station. Bihar Road Accident: 4 Dead, 9 Injured in Truck-Rickshaw Collision in Munger District.

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According to reports, Venkataraman initially refused to give his blood sample for testing. However, his blood sample was taken for testing at around 10 am. Thiruvananthapuram Police commissioner, Dhinendra Kashyap told PTI, “There were conflicting statements on who drove the car. We have now confirmed from independent witnesses that Sreeram Venkitaraman was driving the vehicle.”

Meanwhile, the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) has demanded proper investigation in the matter. A case has been registered under section IPC 279 (rash driving on a public way) and 304 A (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) against the two accused.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 03, 2019 05:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).