Thiruvananthapuram: A Special Investigation Team has begun a probe into the tragic death of journalist SV Pradeep in a mysterious road accident on Monday evening.  

The journalist’s family and opposition leaders have alleged foul play behind the 'accident'. Manorama has accessed the CCTV footage of a mini-lorry hitting Pradeep's scooter from behind.

The fatal mishap took place at 3.30 pm on Monday. Pradeep who was thrown onto the road following the impact, sustained serious head injuries. Though he was rushed to the Medical College Hospital, his life could not be saved.

A team of forensic officials inspected the two-wheeler which Pradeep was riding at the time of accident. Only the hand rest on the rear portion of the scooter got damaged in the mishap while the rest of the vehicle was intact.

The vehicle that hit his scooter sped away from the spot after the strike.

The mini-lorry was seized from Eanchakkal locality on Tuesday, a day later. Its driver Joy has been arrested. 

"He said he knew of the accident," said Fort circle inspector Pradeepan Nair.

"He needs to be subjected to further interrogation," the CI said.

The accident happened while proceeding to Vellayani with load, Joy said.

Pradeep's tragic end came near Karakkamandapam on the busy Karamana-Kaliyikkavila section of the national highway in Thiruvananthapuram district. The lorry was traced using the registration number secured from the CCTV visuals of a shop along the Karamama-Kanyakumari highway.

The investigation is being carried out by a team headed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Fort Sub Division, Thiruvananthapuram. 

Earlier, Pradeep's mother had alleged that her son used to face threats on social media daily.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and BJP state president have demanded a high-level probe into the incident.

Pradeep had worked with many media organizations including Manorama and he was now with an online news portal.

He is survived by his wife Sreeja S Nair (Government Homeo Medical Officer at Balaramapuram) and son Fino S Nair.