Actor Dileep Walks Free of All Charges In 2017 Actress Sexual Assault Case; 6 Guilty To Be Sentenced On Dec 12

Bringing an eight-year legal battle to a dramatic close, the Principal District and Sessions Court in Ernakulam on Monday (December 8) acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep in the 2017 actress abduction and sexual assault case. The verdict was pronounced in open court by Judge Smt. Honey M. Varghese, marking the culmination of one of Kerala's most high-profile and closely watched trials.

While Dileep - listed as the eighth accused - walked free of all charges, the court convicted the first six accused, including prime accused Sunil N.S., popularly known as Pulsar Suni. The court held them guilty of offences ranging from criminal conspiracy and abduction to gang rape. They were convicted under IPC Sections 120B, 340, 354, 366, 354B, and 376D, among others. The sentencing for the convicted group has been scheduled for December 12, Live Law reported.

A Case That Shook the Film Industry

The February 17, 2017 incident - involving the abduction and sexual assault of a leading actress in a moving vehicle on the outskirts of Kochi - triggered massive public outrage and rewired power dynamics within the Malayalam film industry. Video footage of the assault, allegedly recorded by the attackers, formed a crucial part of the prosecution's narrative.

Pulsar Suni was named the primary perpetrator, while Dileep was accused of masterminding the conspiracy. Over the years, the case expanded to include 15 accused. Some were later discharged, some turned approvers, and two individuals were added through supplementary chargesheets as the investigation deepened.

Journey Through Courts

The trial, one of the longest of its kind in Kerala, moved through several complex legal chapters. Dileep, who spent around 80 days in custody before securing bail from the High Court, repeatedly challenged the police probe. His 2018 petition seeking a CBI investigation was dismissed, with the High Court ruling that an accused person cannot demand a change of investigating agency. A subsequent appeal met the same fate.

The survivor, too, moved the courts multiple times. In 2019, her plea to have a woman judge conduct the trial was accepted. Later, she sought transfer of the case, alleging bias on the part of the presiding judge.

The Supreme Court also intervened at crucial moments. In 2019, while denying Dileep's request for a copy of the memory card containing assault visuals, the apex court directed that the trial be completed "preferably within six months." But as delays persisted, the Court granted extensions, finally allowing time until March 31, 2024.

Meanwhile, Pulsar Suni remained in custody for over seven years before the Supreme Court granted him bail in 2024, citing prolonged trial timelines.

Final Stretch Before Verdict

This year, the Kerala High Court sought a status update from the Sessions Court after a journalist's petition flagged delays. With examination of witnesses completed, multiple litigations settled, and arguments wrapped up, the Sessions Court eventually reserved its judgment - delivered today.