Following backlash, Dileep pulls out from temple event
What's the story
Malayalam actor Dileep has withdrawn from a temple program in Ernakulam after objections were raised over his participation. The actor was set to inaugurate the festival coupon distribution at the Ernakulam Siva Temple by receiving the first coupon. However, following public outcry, temple authorities have rescheduled the program from Tuesday to Wednesday. He'll no longer take part in the event. Objections to his invitation reportedly came from within the organizing committee itself.
Legal proceedings
Dileep's acquittal in 2017 actor assault case sparks controversy
The controversy comes after a Kerala Sessions Court recently sentenced six convicts to 20 years' imprisonment in the 2017 Malayalam actor assault case. Dileep, who was accused of masterminding the crime, was acquitted by the court. The state government has announced that it will appeal Dileep's acquittal. The survivor later expressed dissatisfaction with the trial and said she had lost faith in the trial court.
Public protest
Dileep's film screening halted on KSRTC bus amid objections
In a separate incident, the screening of a Dileep-starrer film was halted on a KSRTC Thiruvananthapuram-Thottilpalam Super Fast bus after a woman passenger objected. The film Ee Parakkum Thalika was being played when Lakshmi R Shekhar from Pathanamthitta raised her objection, sparking a debate among passengers. While some supported the protest, others questioned its necessity since a court verdict had already been delivered in the actor's case. Ultimately, the conductor turned off the movie.