The Kerala government has approached the High Court challenging the Sessions Court verdict that acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep and other accused in the sensational actress abduction and assault case in Kochi. Calling the trial court’s decision “legally flawed” and warning that it sends a disturbing message to society, the prosecution has formally filed an appeal seeking judicial reconsideration.
The government has also demanded enhancement of the sentences awarded to the convicted accused, including first accused N.S. Sunilkumar alias Pulsar Suni. While the Principal Sessions Court sentenced six accused to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, it acquitted Dileep and another accused, Sharath, citing failure of the prosecution to conclusively prove criminal conspiracy.
Disputing this finding, the prosecution has argued that crucial digital evidence was dismissed on insignificant grounds and that the judgment violates established criminal procedure and principles of natural justice. With the appeal now before the High Court, the case is set for another crucial legal chapter in one of Kerala’s most closely watched trials.
