In a landmark judicial ruling that has captured national attention, a trial court in Kerala’s Ernakulam district has exonerated renowned Malayalam actor Dileep of all charges related to the 2017 abduction and sexual assault of a prominent South Indian actress. The verdict, delivered by Principal District and Sessions Court Judge Honey M Varghese, concluded the lengthy legal proceedings that have unfolded over nearly six years.
While the court cleared Dileep of criminal conspiracy allegations, it found six other defendants guilty for their direct involvement in the assault. The convicted individuals now face sentencing proceedings scheduled for December 12th, where they could receive substantial prison terms for crimes including gang rape, abduction, and criminal conspiracy.
The case originated in February 2017 when the victim—an accomplished performer with over 80 film credits and multiple awards—was violently abducted while traveling from Thrissur to Kochi for a film dubbing session. Her assailants captured the assault on video, allegedly for blackmail purposes. The incident triggered widespread outrage and prompted intense scrutiny of gender-based violence within India’s entertainment industries.
Despite legal protections that typically shield sexual assault survivors’ identities, the victim voluntarily waived her anonymity in 2022, granting a courageous interview to the BBC where she detailed her traumatic experience. She described how the attack ‘turned my life upside down’ and acknowledged her ‘difficult journey from being a victim to a survivor.’
The judicial proceedings occurred under tight security, with barricades and significant police presence surrounding the courtroom. Dileep, who maintained his innocence throughout, had previously endured three months of incarceration before securing bail in 2017.
This case catalyzed broader reforms within the Malayalam film industry. Following public outcry, the Kerala government established a special committee chaired by former High Court Justice Hema to investigate systemic issues affecting women in the industry. The committee’s damning report, published last year, exposed rampant sexual harassment and described an industry dominated by ‘a mafia of powerful men’ that routinely enabled exploitation.
The victim retains the legal right to appeal Monday’s verdict in the Kerala High Court, potentially extending this already protracted legal battle. The case has highlighted both the persistent challenges facing sexual assault survivors in India’s judicial system and the courageous resilience of those who come forward despite institutional and social barriers.