The acquittal of Malayalam actor Dileep in connection with the 2017 actress assault case has drawn significant attention. The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court found him not guilty of conspiring to orchestrate the crime, which involved the alleged abduction and molestation of a prominent actress.
Dileep was identified as the eighth accused in this high-profile case. The Kerala Crime Branch accused him of breaching bail conditions. Other defendants, including the first six accused, were found guilty of serious charges such as rape and kidnapping.
The incident occurred on the night of February 17, 2017, when the actress, who has worked across Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, was reportedly abducted and assaulted by a group of men who forcibly entered her vehicle.
Among the key figures in the case is Sunil NS, known as Pulsar Suni, who stands as the first accused for allegedly orchestrating the abduction and assault. Alongside Dileep, others involved include Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijeesh VP, Salim H (alias Vadival Salim), Pradeep, Charly Thomas, Sanilkumar (alias Mesthiri Sanil), and G Sarath.
The charges against the defendants encompass several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy, abetment, wrongful confinement, kidnapping, outraging modesty, attempt to disrobe, gang rape, criminal intimidation, destruction of evidence, harboring an offender, and common intention.
The trial commenced on March 8, 2018, and has been prolonged and intricate. A total of 261 witnesses were called to testify, with many of the proceedings held in private. Among these witnesses were prominent figures from the film industry, although 28 of them later turned hostile. The case saw two special prosecutors recuse themselves, and the survivor’s request to appoint a new presiding judge was declined.
Overall, the prosecution presented a substantial amount of evidence, including 833 documents and 142 material objects, while the defense countered with 221 documents. The examination of witnesses alone spanned an extensive 438 days, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity surrounding this legal battle.