Kochi Dec 9 (NationPress) In a heartfelt and powerful response following the verdict in the 2017 actress abduction and assault case, veteran dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi expressed on Tuesday that throughout the arduous legal battle, it was primarily the media and society that genuinely supported the survivor.

Actor Dileep, identified as the eighth accused in the charge sheet, was acquitted by the trial court on Monday.

Bhagyalakshmi stated that the public celebrations and accolades organized for the accused after the verdict deeply affected the survivor.

“What we currently have is not the final decision. Higher courts are still available. Dileep remains an accused,” she emphasized, indicating that the legal struggle is far from concluded.

Characterizing the accused as powerful, affluent, and profoundly influential, she pointed out the evident power imbalance from the outset.

In reaction to the initiative to reinstate Dileep within film organizations, Bhagyalakshmi declared her resignation from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), asserting that she could no longer function within such a framework.

“I moved forward with optimism, believing that one should not succumb. But I find myself devastated even now,” she expressed.

Reflecting on the night of the verdict, Bhagyalakshmi noted that neither she nor the survivor could find rest.

“We spent the night awake contemplating our next steps,” she remarked, adding that the film industry’s reaction felt akin to welcoming back a long-lost relative.

“I will only refer to him as what he legally remains, an accused,” she stated resolutely.

Launching a pointed critique of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), she questioned how an organization could claim to uphold both justice and injustice simultaneously.

She revealed that no meeting was held for the survivor, yet an emergency meeting was swiftly convened post-verdict.

“Not a single member from the organization even reached out to inquire about her well-being,” Bhagyalakshmi said.

She raised serious concerns regarding evidence management, including alterations in the memory card’s hash value and shifting allegiances.

“Today, I realized that even with women leading AMMA, it makes no substantial impact,” she remarked, accusing the organization of silently siding with the accused.

Expressing concern for actress Manju Warrier, whose name emerged in the controversy, Bhagyalakshmi cautioned her that the opponent was incredibly powerful.

“Politicians, organizations, and influence all align with him. No superstar stood by her,” she stated.

Condemning film organizations for treating the trial court’s verdict as final, Bhagyalakshmi declared that she would no longer participate in any organization.

She also criticized FEFKA for neglecting to engage with the survivor.

Referring to director B. Unnikrishnan’s public remarks indicating that the accused would be reintegrated into film bodies if he applied, Bhagyalakshmi stated that her resignation was both a moral and technical protest.

Breaking down, she revealed that she was alongside the survivor when the verdict was announced.

“I have witnessed her suffering up close through all these years,” Bhagyalakshmi said, her voice filled with grief, anger, and unwavering support.