Actor Dileep was acquitted by the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court in the 2017 Malayalam actress assault case, with the court citing lack of evidence. Six others, including prime accused Sunil N S alias Pulsar Suni, were found guilty
Actor Dileep
The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court on Monday acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep in the 2017 actress assault case. The case is related to the abduction and sexual assault of a leading female actor. Actor Dileep was accused of conspiring and hiring a gang to execute the crime. The verdict came eight years after the sensational case shook the Malayalam industry.
Actor Dileep acquitted in assault case
In a dramatic conclusion to one of Kerala’s most sensational criminal trials, Malayalam actor Dileep was acquitted. Earlier in the day, at around 9.30 a.m., Dileep reached Ernakulam amid heavy security, first visiting his counsel’s office before proceeding to the court. All 10 accused were present as directed by the court during the pronouncement of the judgment.
The defence had consistently argued that the case against Dileep was built on circumstantial evidence and uncorroborated testimonies. The survivor, whose courage in pursuing the case drew national attention, was present in court.
The Ernakulam Principal District and Sessions Court, however, found six others, including prime accused Sunil N.S. alias Pulsar Suni, who directly committed the crime, guilty.
Women’s rights organisations expressed deep disappointment over the verdict, stating that the acquittal raises serious questions about investigative lapses and the difficulty of securing convictions in cases involving powerful accused.
Speaking immediately after the verdict, Dileep, who was present in court, said, “This was a conspiracy against me. I thank all the lawyers and everybody else who helped me…”
About the case
The case pertains to an actress who worked in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films and was allegedly abducted and molested inside her car by a group of men who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017. Sunil N.S., widely known as Pulsar Suni, alleged to have orchestrated the abduction and assault, is the first accused. The trial, which began on March 8, 2018, has been lengthy and complex.
A total of 261 witnesses were examined, many in camera, including several prominent film personalities, with 28 witnesses turning hostile. The crime had shocked Kerala and led to widespread protests within the film fraternity and civil society.
Following the verdict, scenes of visible relief were witnessed among Dileep’s family members and supporters outside the court, while activists vowed to continue their fight for justice through legal and democratic means. The prosecution is expected to examine the judgment in detail before deciding on the possibility of an appeal.
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