Kochi – In a verdict that has brought an end to one of the longest and most talked-about trials in Kerala, the Ernakulam Principal District and Sessions Court on Monday acquitted popular Malayalam actor Dileep in the 2017 actress assault case. Judge Honey M. Varghese ruled that the prosecution could not prove beyond doubt that Dileep was part of any criminal conspiracy behind the crime.
At the same time, the court found six other men guilty of serious charges like gang rape, abduction, wrongful confinement, and destroying evidence. The main accused, Sunil NS, better known as Pulsar Suni, along with Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh VP, Salim H, and Pradeep were convicted. Sentencing for them will happen on December 12, 2025.
Three more accused – Charly Thomas, Sanilkumar (also called Mesthiri Sanil), and Sarath G Nair – were let off along with Dileep, who was listed as the eighth accused.
The case goes back to the night of February 17, 2017. A well-known actress, who works in Malayalam and other South Indian films, was travelling by car from Thrissur to Kochi after a shoot. Near Angamaly, a group of men blocked her car, forced the driver out, and took control of the vehicle. For almost two hours, they drove around busy areas while Pulsar Suni and others assaulted her. They also filmed the attack on a mobile phone to blackmail her later.
The actress reached home and reported the matter to police the very next day. Within days, Pulsar Suni and his gang were arrested. During questioning, Suni said he was carrying out a “quotation” – meaning someone had hired him for the job. This led the police to look for a bigger conspiracy.
Investigators said the attack was planned because the actress had old enmity with Dileep. She had reportedly told his then-wife, actor Manju Warrier, about Dileep’s affair with another actress (now his wife Kavya Madhavan). Police claimed Dileep wanted revenge and paid ₹1.5 crore to get the actress humiliated and filmed.
Dileep was arrested on July 10, 2017. He spent 85 days in jail before getting bail from the Kerala High Court. From that day, he always said he was innocent and that some police officers and others were trying to frame him.
The trial started properly in January 2020 after charges were framed against 10 people. Over the years, more than 300 witnesses were examined. Many turned hostile – meaning they changed their earlier statements. There were also big twists, like filmmaker Balachandra Kumar coming forward in 2021 with audio clips where Dileep allegedly talked about the case.
Another issue was a memory card with the assault video. In 2022, a forensic report said someone had illegally opened it many times. The survivor and her team asked for a new probe, but the trial court did not agree fully.
After final arguments ended in November 2025, everyone waited for the judgment. On Monday morning, Dileep reached court early with his brother and lawyers. The courtroom was full of media, lawyers, and relatives. When the judge read out that Dileep and three others were acquitted, there was a sigh of relief from his side.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, a relieved Dileep said: “Truth has won today. There was a real conspiracy against me to destroy my career, my image, and my life. It started right after my ex-wife Manju Warrier said the attack was planned and needed probing. Some police officers used the main accused and media to spread a false story against me. The cooked-up case has failed in court. I thank God, my family, fans, and my lawyers.”
He added that he was the real victim in this whole matter.
Fans waiting outside the court burst into celebrations. They distributed sweets and shouted slogans. When Dileep reached his home in Aluva, hundreds gathered to welcome him. His wife Kavya Madhavan and daughter were seen hugging him happily.
But not everyone was happy with the verdict. The survivor has not spoken publicly yet, but people close to her say she is upset. Many women actors and activists expressed shock and anger.
Actor Parvathy Thiruvothu, part of Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), posted: “We watch a carefully crafted screenplay unfold so cruelly now.” Actor Rima Kallingal wrote “Avalkoppam” (with her) and said “Always. More stronger than ever now.” Several others like Remya Nambeesan shared the same message of support for the survivor.
Dubbing artist and activist Bhagyalekshmi said: “If Dileep is not guilty, then who gave the quotation? That question is still there. This is not the end. We will fight in higher courts.”
The Kerala government quickly announced it will appeal against Dileep’s acquittal in the High Court. Law Minister P Rajeev said: “We have always stood with the survivor. The government will file an appeal soon.”
Opposition leader VD Satheesan also said the verdict was not satisfactory and the government should appeal.
The case shook the Malayalam film industry. In 2017, many male stars supported Dileep, while women actors formed WCC to fight for safety. The government set up the Hema Committee to look into problems faced by women in cinema. Its report came out last year and pointed to a lot of harassment.
Film bodies like AMMA (actors’ association) had removed Dileep in 2018 but later took him back temporarily. Now, after the acquittal, some groups like FEFKA (film employees federation) say they may discuss bringing him back fully.
Dileep’s friend and actor Nadhirshah posted a photo hugging him with the words “Thank you God, Satyameva Jayate.”
For the six convicted men, who have already spent years in jail, the next hearing on punishment will be crucial. They could face life imprisonment or long jail terms.
The survivor showed great courage by fighting the case for eight years. She had to tell her painful story in court many times. Even though the main conspiracy charge against Dileep did not stick, the court agreed the assault happened and punished those who directly did it.
Many people say justice for the survivor is only half done. With the government planning an appeal, the legal fight may go on for more years. For now, Dileep can go back to his normal life, but the case has left deep marks on everyone involved and on Malayalam cinema.
FAQs
What exactly happened in the 2017 incident?
On February 17, 2017, a popular actress was travelling alone in her car at night. Pulsar Suni and his gang stopped the car, threw out the driver, and took her around for two hours. They assaulted her sexually and filmed it to blackmail her. She filed a police complaint the next morning.
Why was Dileep accused?
Police said the attack was not random. Suni told them someone hired him (a “quotation”). Investigators found the actress had old issues with Dileep – she had told his first wife Manju Warrier about his affair. Police claimed Dileep planned the whole thing for revenge.
What did the court say about Dileep?
Judge Honey M Varghese said the prosecution showed many things but could not prove beyond doubt that Dileep gave money or orders for the crime. There were gaps and some witnesses turned hostile. So he was acquitted of conspiracy charges.
Who all were convicted and what next?
Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh VP, Salim H, and Pradeep were found guilty of gang rape, abduction, etc. Their punishment will be announced on December 12. They may get heavy sentences.
Will the case end here?
No. The Kerala government has said it will appeal in the High Court against Dileep’s acquittal. The survivor and her supporters also want to fight further.
What did the survivor say after the verdict?
The survivor has not spoken directly yet. But her friends and WCC members say she is strong and they stand with her fully.
How has the film industry reacted?
Many women actors are disappointed and posted support for the survivor. Some film bodies respect the court order and may let Dileep work again. AMMA said “let the law take its course.”
What is Women in Cinema Collective (WCC)?
It is a group started by women actors after this case to fight for safety and equal rights in Malayalam cinema.