Kochi, Kerala : In a landmark judgment that has sharply polarized public sentiment, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court on December 8, 2025, acquitted Malayalam superstar Dileep (Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan Pillai) in the high-profile 2017 actress abduction and sexual assault case, even as the court convicted six co-accused on charges ranging from kidnapping to rape and criminal conspiracy.
Presiding Judge Honey M. Varghese ruled that there was insufficient direct evidence to conclusively link Dileep to the alleged conspiracy to abduct and assault the South Indian actress. The decision came after a seven-year trial during which the prosecution presented 800 witnesses and 1,200 documentary exhibits, making it one of Kerala’s most extensive criminal proceedings.
Six Accused Convicted; Sentencing on December 12
Those convicted include:
Pulsar Suni (Mukesh)
Edavoor Vasu
Sharath Chandran
Mahesh
Raju
Anoop
They face possible life imprisonment under IPC Sections 376 (rape) and 120B (criminal conspiracy), with sentencing scheduled for December 12, 2025.
Background: A Crime That Shocked the Nation
The case stems from February 17, 2017, when the victim—an established South Indian actress—was abducted in Kochi, blindfolded, and sexually assaulted inside a moving vehicle for over two hours. The attack was filmed by the assailants, allegedly orchestrated as revenge over leaked personal videos.
Forensic investigators confirmed the assault through CCTV footage, mobile tower data, and the recovery of incriminating digital evidence. Dileep was arrested in July 2017 but granted bail three months later after spending 86 days in judicial custody.
Victim and Women’s Groups Express Disappointment
The survivor, now an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, welcomed the convictions but said Dileep’s acquittal was “deeply disappointing” and “re-traumatizes survivors seeking justice.”
Women’s organizations, including the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), criticized the court’s ruling, calling it a “major setback for the #MeToo movement in India.”
Supporters Call It Vindication
Meanwhile, Dileep’s supporters celebrated the verdict, describing it as “justice after a prolonged witch hunt,” asserting that the actor had been unfairly targeted due to industry rivalries.
Celebrity Influence, Judicial Delays Under Debate
The split verdict has reignited national debates on:
Influence of powerful celebrities in judicial outcomes
Delays in sexual assault trials despite dedicated fast-track mechanisms
Need for stronger witness protection in cases involving influential accused persons
Legal experts expect the case to move to the Kerala High Court, with appeals likely from both the prosecution and the survivor.
