Kerala Actor Dileep Acquitted in 2017 Abduction Case; Pulsar Suni Guilty
The Ernakulam principal sessions court has acquitted well-known Kerala actor Dileep in the notorious 2017 abduction and rape case. The court’s verdict was delivered on Monday, concluding a prolonged legal battle surrounding the incident.
Dileep Acquitted: Key Events and Outcomes
Dileep faced accusations of conspiring to hire a gang that carried out the abduction and sexual assault. However, the court determined that the real perpetrators, led by Sunil NS, also known as Pulsar Suni, were guilty of the heinous crime.
Details of the Case
- Date of Incident: February 17, 2017
- Location: Kochi, Kerala
- Key Accused: Sunil NS (Pulsar Suni) and a gang
- Trial Start Date: March 8, 2018
- Witnesses Examined: 261, including notable film actors
- Days of Witness Examination: 438
During the abduction, the victim’s vehicle was hijacked while traveling from Thrissur to Kochi. The accused created a faked accident in Athani, allowing them to enter the vehicle and confine the survivor. Disturbingly, Suni sexually assaulted the victim and filmed the act using a mobile device.
Prosecution’s Failures
The prosecution had claimed that Dileep conspired with Suni and submitted a second charge sheet relying on circumstantial evidence in November 2017. However, the court ruled that these charges were not substantiated.
District and sessions judge Honey M Varghese delivered the judgment at 11 am on Monday. Following the acquittal, Dileep expressed his gratitude, stating, “Truth has won.” He alleged that a conspiracy against him began when the survivor’s statement called for an investigation into the incident. Dileep claimed that certain officials and media collaborated to fabricate evidence against him.
Next Steps
The court will conduct a hearing regarding the quantum of punishment for the guilty parties on December 12. The legal proceedings have highlighted not only the crime itself but also the complexities involved in the judicial process.
This case has raised significant concerns around issues of justice and media sensationalism in high-profile criminal matters, particularly in the film industry.
