Will the Convicts in the Kerala Actress Assault Case Receive Leniency from the Court?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Convicts made emotional pleas for leniency.
- Focus on family responsibilities highlighted in court.
- Court emphasized the gravity of the offense.
- Judge warned media against undermining court dignity.
- Sentencing to be delivered later today.
Kochi, Dec 12 (NationPress) In a courtroom filled with tension and emotion, the six individuals convicted in the 2017 actress assault case made desperate pleas for leniency on Friday, mere hours before the trial court was scheduled to announce their sentences.
Arriving at court around 11:30 a.m., each convict shared their personal circumstances in hopes of evoking the court's compassion.
The first accused, Pulsar Suni, recognized by the court as the primary orchestrator of the attack, informed Judge Honey M. Varghese that he is the sole caregiver for his mother.
Despite this admission, Suni maintained a stoic demeanor while addressing the judge.
The second accused, Martin, became emotional, repeatedly asserting his innocence. “I have not committed any crime. I am imprisoned for a mistake I did not commit. I ask for a lighter sentence,” he implored, recalling that he was the first to be apprehended in this case.
The third accused, Manikandan, claimed that he had never intentionally done anything wrong and sought mercy, mentioning his wife, daughter, and son.
The fourth accused, Vijeesh, requested the court to take his family background into account and pleaded for a reduced sentence.
He further asked to be detained in Kannur jail, as he originates from Thalassery.
The fifth accused, Vadival Salim, maintained his innocence, stating that he has a wife and a three-year-old daughter.
The sixth accused, Pradeep, spoke tearfully while appealing to the court for leniency.
Throughout the proceedings, the convicts emphasized their familial responsibilities in an effort to gain sympathy.
After their pleas, the court questioned whether the punishment should align with each individual's involvement.
Judge Varghese highlighted that if conspiracy is established, everyone involved must accept their share of the blame.
“The true perpetrator is Pulsar Suni. The others participated in the crime,” the court remarked. The judge also underscored the seriousness of the offense, pointing out that Suni disregarded the survivor's vulnerability and emphasized that the case pertains to “the dignity of a woman.”
The session began with a stern admonition from the judge to the media, warning against any actions that could compromise the court's dignity.
The sentencing for all six convicted individuals is anticipated later today.
In this case, actor Dileep, identified as the eighth accused, was acquitted alongside three others.
On Friday, Dileep approached the court to request the return of his passport, which has been in custody since his arrest when he spent nearly three months in jail in 2017.