In a dramatic turning point in one of Kerala’s most closely watched criminal trials, actor Dileep was acquitted on Monday in the 2017 actress abduction and assault case. The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the charges against him beyond reasonable doubt, bringing an end to an eight-year legal battle that gripped the Malayalam film industry and the public.
While Dileep walked free of all charges, the court found six others — including prime accused Pulsar Suni — guilty of kidnapping, conspiracy, and sexual assault. The court confirmed that strong evidence established their direct role in the brutal attack that shocked the state and sparked a nationwide debate on safety, misogyny, and power structures within the entertainment industry.
Sentencing for the convicted individuals will be pronounced on December 12, marking the next crucial chapter in this high-profile case.
The 2017 incident, in which a leading Malayalam actress was abducted and assaulted inside a moving vehicle near Kochi, triggered widespread outrage and led to unprecedented activism within the film industry. The court’s verdict has now set the stage for renewed discussions on justice, accountability, and systemic reform.
With the acquittal of one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest stars and the conviction of the primary accused, the long-awaited verdict has reshaped public discourse — closing one chapter of the case while opening many new questions about its legacy.
