Major Verdict in Kerala Actress Assault Case Six Convicts Get 20 Years

In a significant ruling, the Ernakulam Additional Special Sessions Court has handed down a 20-year rigorous imprisonment sentence to six people, including the main accused, Pulsar Suni, in the 2017 case involving the abduction and sexual assault of a prominent woman actor in Kerala. The court found all six guilty of gang rape, which carries a minimum sentence of 20 years.

This decision concludes a trial that lasted nearly six years and focused on the horrifying incident where the survivor was assaulted inside a moving car in Kochi in February 2017. The severe punishment reflects the gravity of the crime.

The court's judgment also imposed a financial penalty on the convicts. Each of the six men was fined ₹50,000, with an extra fine of ₹1 lakh levied on Pulsar Suni specifically for recording the assault on video, violating the IT Act. Furthermore, the court ordered that the survivor be compensated with ₹5 lakh.

Before the final sentencing was delivered, the convicted men made emotional pleas for leniency, highlighting their personal struggles and family circumstances. For instance, Pulsar Suni cited his sick mother who needed his care, while Martin Antony broke down in court, claiming his innocence and pointing to his unwell, financially dependent elderly parents. Similarly, another convict, Manikandan, claimed he was not part of the initial plan and that his wife and two children relied on him completely.

However, the court proceeded with the stern sentence after considering the severity of the crime and the lasting impact on the victim.

It is important to note that a significant part of the case concluded earlier when actor Dileep was acquitted of conspiracy charges. The court found that the prosecution had not successfully proven his involvement in the larger plan beyond reasonable doubt. The conviction of the six accused, along with Dileep's earlier acquittal, concludes the trial court's proceedings.