Actor Dileep Acquitted in 2017 Kerala Actor Assault and Abduction Case
In a closely watched verdict that has reverberated throughout Kerala and the Indian film industry, Malayalam actor Dileep has been acquitted in the 2017 actress assault case. The verdict, delivered by the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court on Monday, December 8, 2025, brings an end to a legal battle that has stretched for nearly eight years.
The case dates back to February 17, 2017, when a prominent Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving car while traveling from Thrissur to Ernakulam. The horrific incident, which saw the actress being held against her will for nearly two hours, shook the conscience of the state. The perpetrators also filmed the assault, allegedly to blackmail her later.
Following the incident, the actress filed a police complaint, leading to the arrest of several individuals, including Sunil Kumar, also known as "Pulsar Suni," who was identified as the main accused. As the investigation progressed, suspicion turned towards Dileep, with allegations surfacing that he had orchestrated the crime. Dileep was subsequently arrested on July 10, 2017, and listed as the eighth accused in the chargesheet.
The prosecution argued that Dileep had masterminded the assault as an act of revenge against the actress, who he believed had informed his then-wife about his alleged affair. The trial was marked by several twists and turns, including witnesses turning hostile, allegations of bias against the judge, and controversies surrounding the handling of evidence.
While Dileep has been acquitted of all charges, the court found accused number 1 to 6, including Pulsar Suni, guilty of gang rape and conspiracy. The court held that the prosecution failed to prove the criminal conspiracy charge against Dileep. Principal Sessions Judge Honey M. Varghese presided over the case. The quantum of sentence for the convicted will be pronounced on December 12, 2025.
The case has had a lasting impact on the Malayalam film industry, sparking discussions about gender equality, safety, and power structures. The survivor's resilience in the face of adversity has been widely praised, and the case led to the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of women in the industry.
Dileep, once a highly popular actor known as "Janapriya Nayakan," faced significant setbacks in his career due to the allegations. He was expelled from major film organizations and faced public scrutiny. While the acquittal may offer some respite, the shadow of the case is likely to linger. The police had arrested seven people in connection with the assault, and concluded that the crime was the result of a conspiracy intended to harm the actress, film the assault and use it for blackmail.
The verdict has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing relief and others expressing disappointment and concern. The legal battle may not be entirely over, as there remains a possibility of appeals. The acquittal of Dileep also raises questions about the investigation and whether all those responsible for the crime have been brought to justice.
