Ernakulam, Dec 8 (NationPress) Malayalam actor Dileep, who was found innocent of charges in the 2017 actress abduction and sexual assault case, expressed on Monday that it was a fabricated case orchestrated by the police that ultimately fell apart in court.

“In the court, the fabricated narrative of the police disintegrated,” he stated as he exited the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court shortly after his acquittal.

Beaming with joy, he greeted his supporters amid heightened security, accompanied by a group of lawyers in traditional black attire as they escorted him to his vehicle.

Outside the courthouse, supporters celebrated by handing out 'laddoos', while similar festive scenes were observed near his home in Aluva.

Dileep faced considerable challenges navigating through the crowd before finally addressing the eager media.

In a pointed critique of the investigation, the actor claimed that he had been intentionally framed.

“The police team aligned itself with the main accused and a few others, concocting a story to harm my reputation and jeopardize my career,” he asserted.

He further suggested that the conspiracy against him was initiated by his ex-wife. “The plot against me originated with Manju, who was joined by a senior police official. Subsequently, the police utilized certain media outlets to fabricate unfounded narratives,” Dileep alleged.

He expressed profound gratitude to his legal team, stating, “I am aware that numerous individuals supported me. I extend my heartfelt thanks to my attorney, Raman Pillai, to whom I will always be indebted. I am also sincerely thankful to the many other advocates who stood by me. Today marks a moment of immense joy for me,” Dileep remarked.

When questioned regarding the identities of the conspirators, Dileep replied, “It is up to you (the media) to uncover that,” before closing the door of his car and departing.

Earlier that day, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Dileep arrived in Ernakulam alongside his brother and another accused, first stopping at his attorney's office before heading to court.

As mandated by the court, all 10 accused were present for the pronouncement of the verdict.

The court concluded that the prosecution had failed to prove the charge of criminal conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in the acquittal of Dileep and three others, while the first six accused were found guilty.

This case traces back to February 2017, when a well-known Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving vehicle while en route to Kochi.

The incident sent shockwaves through Kerala, sparking a vigorous discussion on women's safety and the abuse of authority within the Malayalam film industry. Although the main accused remains convicted for the crime, the alleged conspiracy against Dileep has now unraveled. Women’s rights groups conveyed their disappointment with the verdict, and the prosecution is expected to review the judgment before considering a potential appeal.

In the meantime, the victim stated that she is currently not inclined to provide any comments, while her close friend and supporter, dubbing artist Bhagalekshmi, remarked that this verdict was anticipated. "I had predicted this four years ago," she added.