The Kerala government has decided to appeal against the Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court's verdict acquitting actor Dileep in the 2017 actress assault case. Special Public Prosecutor V Aja Kumar confirmed that the appeal will be filed soon after the Kerala High Court's Christmas vacation.
The government plans to challenge both Dileep's acquittal and the sentences given to six convicts, including prime accused Pulsar Suni. Kumar stated that around 60 witnesses testified against six accused, but this evidence was dismissed when it came to acquitting Dileep and three others.
The 2017 actress assault case involves the abduction and sexual assault of a popular Malayalam actress while travelling from Thrissur to Ernakulam. The incident was reportedly filmed on a mobile phone inside a moving vehicle, and Dileep was arrested for allegedly conspiring in the crime. The survivor had earlier expressed disappointment over the verdict on social media.
The trial court had acquitted Dileep and three others, while sentencing six accused to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The Kerala government has given its nod to file an appeal, and the Special Public Prosecutor has prepared the grounds for appeal.