Highlights
- Kerala court clears actor Dileep of conspiracy charges
- Six others convicted in the 2017 assault case
- Survivor may challenge the verdict in high court
Court acquits actor, convicts six others
A court in Kerala acquits Malayalam actor Dileep in the 2017 abduction and rape case involving a well-known actress, while six other accused are convicted. Dileep, charged with criminal conspiracy, is cleared after years of legal proceedings.
Principal District and Sessions Court judge Honey M Varghese delivers the verdict in Ernakulam on Monday. Security outside the courtroom is tight, with barricades at both entrances and a heavy police presence.
Assault that shocked the film industry
The actress, who has acted in more than 80 films across southern languages and holds several major awards, is assaulted by a group of men while travelling from Thrissur to Kochi in February 2017. Indian law prohibits naming survivors of sexual assault, but she waived her anonymity in 2022 and spoke publicly about the attack and its impact.
She recounts being kidnapped on her way to a dubbing session, saying the attackers recorded videos of the assault, likely for blackmail. She describes the experience as life-altering, adding that she faced online abuse and victim-shaming after the incident.
Dileep’s arrest and charges
Dileep denies wrongdoing throughout the investigation. He is arrested in 2017 and spends three months in jail before securing bail. He is one of a dozen people charged under sections related to gang rape, abduction, sexual assault, and criminal conspiracy.
Sentencing for the six convicted men is scheduled for 12 December.
Industry response and wider scrutiny
The survivor’s 2022 Instagram post draws support from major Malayalam cinema stars, including Mohanlal and Mammootty, and several Bollywood actors. The case fuels conversations about workplace safety for women in the film industry.
Following public outrage, the Kerala government appoints a panel led by a former High Court judge to study systemic issues. The Hema Committee report, released last year, outlines widespread harassment and highlights the dominance of a “mafia of powerful men” within the industry.
Next steps
The survivor can appeal the acquittal in high court, and the case continues to draw national attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and ongoing concerns about safety in the entertainment sector.
