Kerala Government Appeals Dileep's Acquittal in Actress Assault Case
Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Kerala government has filed an appeal against the acquittal of actor Dileep in the high-profile 2017 actress abduction and sexual assault case. With six others convicted, this case continues to attract widespread attention and scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
Kerala Government Appeals: The state is challenging the acquittal of actor Dileep.
Convictions Upheld: Six other men were sentenced to 20 years for their roles in the assault.
Survivor's Support: The government expresses its commitment to standing with the survivor.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings: The case remains a focal point of public interest and debate.
High-Profile Case: This incident is among Kerala’s most scrutinized criminal cases.
Kochi, February 27 (NationPress) - The Kerala government has formally appealed to the Kerala High Court, contesting the recent judgment from the Ernakulam Principal District and Sessions Court, which exonerated Malayalam actor Dileep in connection with the 2017 abduction and sexual assault of an actress. Six other individuals were found guilty in the same case.
In December 2025, Sessions Court Judge Honey M. Varghese declared Dileep not guilty of all charges, while convicting six men.
These six received a sentence of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, the minimum penalty under Section 376D (gang rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The ruling faced immediate backlash, prompting Law Minister P. Rajeev to declare on December 8, the day the verdict was announced, that the State would mount a challenge against the ruling and support the survivor.
In its formal appeal, the government is pushing for the conviction of Dileep as well as three others who were acquitted: Charlie Thomas, Sanilkumar (also known as Mesthiri Sanil), and Sarath G. Nair.
Furthermore, the State has requested that the sentences of the six convicted men be increased: Sunil N. S. (alias Pulsar Suni), Martin Antony, Manikandan B., Vijeesh V. P., Salim H. (alias Vadival Salim), and Pradeep.
The survivor was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in February 2017 while en route to a film shoot in Kochi. The horrific incident was recorded inside the moving vehicle. The driver, Martin Antony, was apprehended the following day, and Pulsar Suni, named the primary accused, was arrested within a week.
Four additional suspects were taken into custody later that same month.
In July 2017, Dileep was arrested on suspicions of orchestrating the assault in a vengeful act. However, the trial court concluded there was insufficient evidence to convict him. After nearly three months in jail, he was released on bail.
The six men found guilty were charged under various IPC statutes, including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, wrongful confinement, use of force, gang rape, as well as pertinent sections of the Information Technology Act regarding the recording and distribution of sexually explicit content.
Notably, only Pulsar Suni faced direct conviction under the IT Act elements.
Several of the convicted individuals have since approached the High Court seeking the suspension of their sentences, setting the stage for a renewed legal confrontation in one of Kerala’s most scrutinized criminal cases.
Point of View
The Kerala government's decision to appeal the acquittal of actor Dileep underscores its commitment to justice for the survivor. This case, which has captivated and polarized public opinion, raises vital questions about systemic issues within the legal framework and the treatment of victims in high-profile incidents.
NationPress
5 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Kerala government to appeal?
The Kerala government appealed against the acquittal of Dileep to ensure justice for the survivor and challenge the trial court's decision that exonerated him.
What was the outcome for the other accused?
Six other individuals were convicted and sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for their roles in the 2017 abduction and sexual assault case.
What charges were brought against Dileep?
Dileep was accused of conspiring to orchestrate the assault, but the trial court found insufficient evidence to convict him.
How has this case affected public opinion?
The case has generated significant public debate and scrutiny, highlighting issues of justice and victim support in high-profile criminal cases.
What is the next step in this legal battle?
The appeal filed by the Kerala government will be reviewed by the Kerala High Court, and the outcome will determine the future legal proceedings.
