Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep on Monday in the 2017 abduction and sexual assault case of a leading actress, ruling prosecution failed to prove criminal conspiracy against him after an eight-year trial.
Six prime accused, including Pulsar Suni, were convicted of gangrape, kidnapping, and conspiracy, with sentencing on December 12; three others also acquitted. The survivor plans to appeal, Dileep called it a “cooked-up police story,” and CPI(M) announced a state appeal amid tight security.
Eight-Year Ordeal Begins
The reported incident unfolded on February 17, 2017, when the actress, known for roles in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films, was abducted in her car en route from Thrissur to Kochi. Intruders forced entry, assaulted her for nearly two hours, filmed the attack, and released her in a crowded area; she alerted police immediately.
Initial arrests included Pulsar Suni (Sunil NS), leading to a chargesheet against seven in April 2017. Dileep (P Gopalakrishnan), accused eighth, was arrested July 10 via Suni’s jail letter alleging his conspiracy as “quotation” revenge over industry disputes, granted bail October 3 after 85 days. The case spurred Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) formation for actor safety.
Prolonged Trial and Evidence Battles
Kerala High Court ordered trial in January 2020 under Judge Honey M Varghese, examining 261 witnesses (many hostile actors), 834 documents, and two defence witnesses over five years ending November 25.
Key issues: untraced assault phone but recovered memory card accessed improperly by magistrate/court officials, prompting 2023 High Court guidelines on explicit evidence.
Dileep faced charges of conspiracy, evidence tampering, witness influence, and possessing visuals; prosecution claimed motive tied to actress informing his ex-wife Manju Warrier of affairs. Deaths of witnesses like MLA PT Thomas delayed proceedings amid tampering petitions. Verdict pronounced amid heavy security with barricades.
Verdict Splits Outcomes and Reactions
Six convicted: Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh VP, Salim H, Pradeep for direct crimes under IPC sections including 376D (gangrape), 363 (kidnapping), 120B (conspiracy). Acquitted: Dileep, Charly Thomas, Sanil Kumar, G Sarath for lack of sustainable conspiracy proof.
Dileep told media, “The cooked-up story of police failed,” claiming career ruin. Fans celebrated outside with laddoos. Survivor, whose testimony endured scrutiny, eyes appeal.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This verdict upholds legal rigour yet spotlights survivor trauma in prolonged public glare, demanding empathy for victims pursuing justice amid power imbalances.
The Logical Indian champions fair trials while urging industry reforms via dialogue, kindness, and WCC-like initiatives for women’s safety and harmony. Accountability fosters coexistence free from violence.
