Kochi, Dec 12 (NationPress) The highly publicized 2017 actress assault case has reached a crucial milestone as the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court imposed a sentence of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment on all six convicted individuals. The court determined that the prosecution successfully established charges such as kidnapping with intent to commit rape (IPC 366), criminal conspiracy (IPC 120B), and gang rape (IPC 376D).

The verdict was announced at 4:45 p.m., with each convict ordered to pay a fine of Rs 50,000.

The court clarified that any time served as under-trial prisoners would be deducted from the 20-year sentence.

Earlier in the day, Judge Honey M. Varghese emphasized that the crime was perpetrated with a clear intent to violate the survivor’s dignity, holding each participant equally accountable due to the conspiracy.

“The real perpetrator is Pulsar Suni. The others were complicit in the crime,” the court remarked, highlighting the complete disregard for the survivor’s vulnerability.

The sentencing followed an emotionally charged hearing where the convicts made last-ditch pleas for mercy.

Brought to court around 11:30 a.m., they cited family issues and personal responsibilities in desperate attempts to mitigate their sentences.

First accused Pulsar Suni, identified as the mastermind, claimed sole responsibility for his mother's care.

He displayed no emotion while making his appeal.

The second accused, Martin, broke down repeatedly, asserting his innocence.

“I am incarcerated for a crime I didn’t commit. Please consider a lighter sentence,” he implored, noting he was the first to be arrested.

Third accused Manikandan sought compassion, stating he had never intentionally committed any offense and that his family depended on him.

Fourth accused Vijeesh requested leniency based on his family background and asked to be placed in Kannur jail, citing his roots in Thalassery.

The fifth accused, Vadival Salim, also insisted on his innocence, mentioning his wife and three-year-old daughter.

Sixth accused Pradeep, tearfully requested mercy from the court.

After considering their pleas, the judge remarked that punishment must align with individual involvement but stressed that responsibility is collective once a conspiracy is confirmed.

The proceedings commenced with Judge Varghese issuing a stern warning to the media against any behavior that could compromise the court's dignity.

The sentencing applies to the six individuals found guilty earlier this year.

Actor Dileep, the eighth accused, was released alongside three others.

On the same day, he approached the court requesting the return of his passport, which has been in custody since his arrest in 2017 and subsequent detention of nearly three months.