What's the 2017 Kerala actor sexual assault case
What's the story
The Ernakulam Principal District and Session Court will announce its verdict in the high-profile 2017 actor kidnapping and sexual assault case on December 8. Malayalam actor Dileep is the eighth accused in this case. The decision will be delivered by Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese, several years after the trial began. The Supreme Court had earlier asked for an expedited trial process. Learn more about the shocking case here.
Case background
Case details and accusations against Dileep
The case involves the kidnapping and rape of a woman actor in a moving car on February 17, 2017, by a gang led by Sunil Kumar, aka 'Pulsar' Suni, accused no. 1. The sexual assault was allegedly videotaped. Dileep is accused of masterminding the attack due to his grudge against the victim for her alleged involvement in his separation and divorce from actor Manju Warrier.
Arrest details
Dileep's arrest and trial disruptions
Dileep was arrested by Kerala Police in July 2017 and spent 88 days in jail before getting bail. He has denied all charges against him, calling them "baseless." The trial has been repeatedly disrupted due to the complainant seeking the removal of the judicial officer considering the case. This led to several appeals being filed in higher courts, including the Supreme Court.
Trial details
Trial proceedings and impact on Malayalam cinema
The trial, which began in 2018, was further delayed by a COVID-19-induced lockdown and a year-long investigation following filmmaker Balachandra Kumar's alleged revelations. Kumar had claimed to have witnessed Dileep and others watching the visuals of the alleged rape at his Aluva residence. He died in December 2024 due to heart and kidney-related ailments. The case has significantly impacted the Malayalam cinema industry, leading to the formation of Women Collective in Cinema, a forum advocating for women's rights in cinema.
Accused details
Other accused and trial proceedings
Apart from Dileep and Suni, other accused in the case include Martin Antony, B Manikandan, VP Vijeesh, Salim, Pradeep, Charley Thomas, and Sanil. The court has considered around 1,700 documents and 261 witnesses during the trial process. Most of these witnesses turned hostile during their testimonies. The proceedings were conducted in-camera due to the sensitive nature of the case.