Kottayam, 06 March (H.S.):Police have arrested the prime accused in the fatal hit-and-run case that led to the death of a college student in Angamaly. Dr. Cyriac P. George, who had been absconding since the accident, was taken into custody from Vagamon after a week-long search.

According to police, the accused had been hiding at a resort in Kannamkulam near Vagamon. Investigators tracked him down after monitoring his mobile tower location in the region for several days. When a police team in plain clothes reached the resort, Dr. Cyriac allegedly attempted to flee, but officers chased him down and arrested him.

The arrest comes nearly a week after the accident that claimed the life of Jaslia Johnson, a second-year B.Com student of Morning Star College in Angamaly. The incident occurred on February 28 when the car driven by Dr. Cyriac hit the student from behind while she was walking back to her hostel after work.

Jaslia, who stayed in the college hostel, had been working part-time to support her studies. After the accident, she sustained severe injuries and was admitted to hospital in critical condition. Despite treatment, she succumbed to her injuries on March 3.

Police had earlier arrested Dr. Cyriac's father, George Thomas, a resident of Athirampuzha in Kottayam, for allegedly helping his son evade arrest. Investigators said the father had taken responsibility for driving the vehicle involved in the accident in an attempt to shield the real culprit.

Authorities had also issued a lookout notice for Dr. Cyriac after he went into hiding following the incident. A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered against him.

The car involved in the accident was later recovered from Thuravoor in Alappuzha district, but police had initially failed to trace the driver, triggering widespread criticism from the public and the victim’s family.

Dr. Cyriac had recently completed his MBBS from Chalakudy Medical College and was working there as a house surgeon.

The delay in arresting the accused had sparked strong protests and criticism against the police, with many questioning how the suspect managed to remain at large for several days after the fatal incident. Police officials said further investigation is underway and additional charges may be considered as the probe progresses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman