Coimbatore, Aug 14: A former professional footballer, Aseem Koraliyadan (45), who represented Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra in the Santosh Trophy and played for several clubs during his career, died after his two‑wheeler was struck by a truck on Avinashi Road late on Wednesday, police said.
Accident near airport junction
Officials from the Traffic Investigation Wing (TIW East) said the collision occurred at about 10.30 p.m. near the U‑turn immediately before the airport junction. At the time, Aseem — who was employed as a Customs Inspector at Coimbatore International Airport and was en route to the airport for his night shift — had slowed his scooter to negotiate the turn when a truck approaching from behind hit the two‑wheeler.
The rider was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where duty doctors pronounced him dead, the police said. The body was later handed over to the family after completion of the post‑mortem at the Government Medical College and ESI Hospital, according to hospital and police records made available to reporters.
"The TIW East registered a case in connection with the accident and arrested the truck’s driver, Dinesh, of Sulur near Coimbatore."
Identity and background
The deceased, a native of Areekode in Malappuram district, had a long playing career. Sources cited by police and sporting records show that Aseem represented the Under‑21 Kerala side and went on to play for Vasco Sports Club, Salgocar FC, East Bengal FC and several I‑League teams. His twin brother, Anees Koraliyadan, is also a former player and currently works as a football coach.
Police action and investigation
Traffic investigators registered a case and detained the truck driver, identified as Dinesh from Sulur, the TIW East officer said. The police said they will examine vehicle movement records, take statements from witnesses at the scene and review any available CCTV footage along Avinashi Road and the airport approach to determine the sequence of events that led to the collision.
- Time of accident: approximately 10.30 p.m. on Wednesday.
- Location: Avinashi Road, near airport junction U‑turn.
- Victim: Aseem Koraliyadan (45), Customs Inspector, former professional footballer.
- Action taken: Case registered by TIW East; truck driver arrested.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 45 |
| Occupation | Customs Inspector, Coimbatore International Airport |
| Notable football affiliations | U‑21 Kerala, Vasco SC, Salgocar FC, East Bengal FC, various I‑League clubs |
Local residents and commuters on Avinashi Road expressed concern at the frequency of serious incidents on the busy arterial stretch that links the city to the airport and industrial suburbs. Traffic police routinely advise riders and drivers to reduce speed approaching the airport junction, especially after dark, and to observe lane discipline.
Investigating officers are expected to confirm whether speed, visibility, road conditions or any mechanical issues contributed to the collision as forensic examination of the vehicles and statements from witnesses proceed. Further legal action will follow prosecution guidelines once the probe is completed and charges, if any, are framed by the police.
The family received the body following completion of the post‑mortem at the Government Medical College and ESI Hospital. Condolences have been conveyed through the local football community and former teammates, as officials and sporting acquaintances noted the loss of a player who had represented state and club sides over a lengthy career.
Authorities have urged motorists and two‑wheeler riders to exercise extra caution on Avinashi Road, particularly during night hours when traffic mix increases due to airport shift movements and heavy vehicle transit.
