Kerala court clears Dileep — verdict after nearly 8-year trial
A Kerala court on Monday acquitted prominent Malayalam actor Dileep in the 2017 sexual assault and abduction case involving a fellow actress, saying evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to prove his role in the alleged conspiracy. The accused numbered 1 to 6, including the prime accused Pulsar Suni, were found guilty.
Dileep, who was defendant number eight, walked out of court a free man. The judgment by the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court comes after almost eight years of intense legal scrutiny — a case that had shaken the Malayalam film industry and stirred national debate on power, privilege, and accountability.
🔍 What Happened in the 2017 Case — A Brief Recap
The assault and abduction
On the night of 17 February 2017, a well-known Malayalam actress was allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted by a group of men while travelling in a car from Thrissur to Kochi for a film appointment. The attack reportedly lasted for two hours, during which the victim was assaulted and filmed.
According to court records, the attack left the film fraternity, media, and public in shock — and sparked a broader discussion on the vulnerability and safety of women in cinema. Several prominent names in the industry voiced support for the survivor.
Lengthy trial, changing testimonies
Over the years, the case saw 261 witnesses get examined — including persons from the film world — and the investigating officer was examined for 109 days. Many witnesses reportedly turned hostile. The trial also saw multiple legal turns, including a halted trial at one point.
In October 2017, Dileep was granted bail after spending roughly 85 days in judicial custody.
⚖️ The Verdict — What Court Decided
On 8 December 2025, the court delivered its verdict. Judge Honey M Varghese ruled that the prosecution failed to establish Dileep’s involvement in the alleged conspiracy. As a result, Dileep was acquitted on all charges.
However, the court found accused 1–6 guilty on charges including criminal conspiracy, wrongful confinement, assault, abduction, gang rape, and attempt to disrobe. Sentencing for those convicted is scheduled for 12 December 2025.
🎤 Dileep’s Reaction: “It Was a Conspiracy Against Me”
Moments after the verdict, Dileep addressed the media and claimed he was the “real victim” in the case. He alleged that the case was a “fabricated story” orchestrated against him, aimed at destroying his career and reputation.
He pointed to his former spouse Manju Warrier, alleging her statement triggered the “conspiracy,” and accused some police officials and media persons of colluding in propagating a false narrative. “The false story created by the police team failed in court,” he said.
He also thanked supporters, saying, “Thank you to everyone who stood by me for nine years.”
📌 Significance: End of a Long-Running Scandal; Mixed Reactions
This verdict marks the end of nearly eight years of legal battle in a case that had raised wider concerns about gender safety, workplace dynamics, and power structures in the Malayalam film industry.
While supporters of Dileep may view this as vindication, many survivors’ rights groups and film-industry insiders have expressed concern that acquittal — despite convictions of other accused — might send troubling signals about accountability.
Additionally, with sentencing pending for the convicted accused, the focus now shifts to whether those individuals receive substantial punishment, and whether justice — as many expect — is comprehensively served.
