Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], December 8 (ANI):
A Kerala trial court on Monday acquitted prominent Malayalam actor Dileep of all charges in the 2017 actress abduction and sexual assault case, while six other accused were found guilty of offences including rape, conspiracy, and abduction. The quantum of punishment for those convicted will be pronounced on December 12.
Verdict and Court Proceedings
Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese acquitted Dileep, the eighth accused, after a trial that spanned nearly eight years. The court held that the prosecution failed to prove allegations that Dileep conspired with the prime accused, Sunil NS, alias Pulsar Suni, and hired a gang to carry out the assault on February 17, 2017.
The other accused—Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, B. Manikandan, VP Vijeesh, H. Salim alias Vadiwal Salim, and C. Pradeep—were found guilty under various IPC sections, including 120B (criminal conspiracy), 354 (outraging modesty), 366 (kidnapping), 354B (attempt to disrobe), and 376D (gang rape). They were immediately taken to the Viyyur Central Prison in Thrissur.
The case involved a South Indian actress who was allegedly abducted and assaulted inside her car by a group of men who forced their way into the vehicle. The trial was one of the most complex in Kerala’s legal history, involving 261 witnesses, including several film personalities, with 28 turning hostile. The prosecution submitted 833 documents and 142 material objects, while the defence produced 221 documents. Witness examination alone spanned 438 days.
Dileep’s Reaction
Outside the court, Dileep said the verdict proved there had been a “conspiracy to defame” him:
“There was a conspiracy to destroy my career, my image and my life. Truth has won.”
He thanked his family, fans, lawyers, college mates, and supporters:
“First and foremost, I thank the Almighty and all who stood by me over these years.”
Dileep alleged that a senior police officer and a group of police personnel fabricated evidence and colluded with the main accused to falsely implicate him, aided by “certain media organisations.”
Defence Lawyer’s Statement
Dileep’s counsel, B Raman Pillai, called the evidence against him “bogus and fabricated,” adding that the defence was able to establish the conspiracy to frame the actor:
“They created some evidence, but none of it could be proved in court. This is the only possible view on the basis of the evidence.”
Kerala Government to Appeal
Kerala Law Minister P Rajeev announced that the state government will appeal against Dileep’s acquittal.
He said the government “stands with the survivor” and has discussed the matter with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
“The state government’s decision is to appeal the verdict. The government is with the survivor,” Rajeev posted on Facebook.
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