Archive · 8 Dec 2025
Dileep Acquitted in 2017 Kerala Actress Assault Case
A famous actress in the Malayalam film industry was kidnapped and assaulted in 2017.
The main accused, Pulsar Suni, recorded the crime.
Investigators found that a powerful actor, Dileep, might have planned the attack.
The trial had many twists, with some witnesses changing their stories and evidence being tampered with.
The court acquitted Dileep, finding insufficient evidence to prove his involvement.
Six other accused were found guilty.
The case highlighted issues in the film industry and led to the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) and the Justice Hema Committee.
The verdict was announced on December 8, 2023.
A Sessions court in Ernakulam acquitted actor Dileep in the 2017 case of the abduction and sexual assault of a Malayalam actress.
Six other accused, including Pulsar Suni, were found guilty of rape and other offences.
The trial faced numerous challenges, including hostile witnesses, resignations of special prosecutors, and tampering of evidence.
The case highlighted systemic issues in the Malayalam film industry, prompting the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) and the Justice Hema Committee.
The verdict was announced on December 8, 2023, marking a significant moment in the industry's history.
- Who
- A leading actress in the Malayalam film industry and actor-producer Dileep
- What
- Abduction, sexual assault, and a conspiracy case in the Malayalam film industry
- When
- Incident on February 17, 2017; trial began January 30, 2020; verdict on December 8, 2023
- Where
- Kochi, Kerala, India
- Why
- Allegedly to intimidate and humiliate the survivor due to a grudge
Prosecution
Defense
Dileep's Involvement
Prosecution
Prosecution argued that Dileep conspired to orchestrate the attack and hired Pulsar Suni to commit the crime, citing a letter from Suni to Dileep and recorded conversations.
Defense
Defense maintained that there was insufficient evidence to prove Dileep's involvement in the conspiracy, leading to his acquittal.
Witness Testimonies
Prosecution
Prosecution initially had witnesses who testified against Dileep, but many turned hostile during the trial, weakening their case.
Defense
Defense highlighted the hostile witnesses and the lack of concrete evidence to support the prosecution's claims.
- Date of Incident
- February 17, 2017
- Location
- Kochi, Kerala
- Primary Accused
- Pulsar Suni
- Alleged Conspirator
- Dileep
- Charges Against Dileep
- Criminal conspiracy, intimidation, destruction of evidence
- Sections of IPC
- 120A, 120B, 109, 342, 357, 366, 354, 354B, 376D, 506(i), 201, 212, 34
- Special Prosecutors
- Two resigned during the trial
- Key Evidence
- Recorded conversations and a memory card
- Number of Accused
- 10
- Production Company Involved
- Lal Creations
- Verdict Date
- December 8, 2023
- Guilty Verdicts
- 6 accused found guilty
- Acquitted
- Dileep and 3 others
Sources
How 2017 actress assault case brought about churn in Malayalam film industry
MeToo in Mollywood: Verdict expected after 8 years
Accused dropped plan to attack Kerala actress in Goa as she changed mode of travel: Prosecution
Dileep’s downfall: How the 2017 actor abduction and assault case accused dug his own grave in cinema and real life
2017 actor abduction and assault case timeline: From the day that shook Kerala and Dileep’s arrest to the verdict
Dileep case verdict today: Kerala awaits politically charged judgment ahead of local body polls
2017 Kerala Actress Assault Case: Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court to give verdict today, actor Dileep among accused
2017 actress assault case verdict LIVE Updates: Dileep reaches court; verdict to be pronounced shortly
Kerala Sexual Assault Case Verdict: Eight-Year Legal Battle Nears Conclusion, Court Set To Rule On Charges Against Actor Dileep
Verdict Today in Kerala Actress Assault Case, Dileep Among Accused
Malayalam actor Dileep acquitted in sexual assault case after 8 years of legal battle
Kerala Court Acquits Actor Dileep In 2017 Actress Assault Case
Malayalam actor Dileep acquitted in 2017 actress assault case by Kerala Court
Actor Dileep case: A complete timeline of the controversial Malayalam film industry crime
Court acquits Dileep, finds 6 guilty in actress assault case
Malayalam actor Dileep acquitted in actress assault case
Kerala court acquits popular Malayalam actor Dileep in 2017 actress assault case - Telegraph India
Kerala: Actor Dileep acquitted in 2017 rape case, six convicted
Dileep acquitted: What was the 2017 Kerala actor sexual assault case, what was Dileep’s alleged role
2017 Sexual Assault Case: Malayalam Actor Dileep Acquitted, Key Conspirator Pulsar Suni Among 6 Others Found Guilty
Kerala court acquits actor Dileep of all charges in 2017 sexual assault case
Malayalam Actor Assault Case: Kerala Court Acquits Dileep In 2017 Assault Case, Prime Accused Pulsar Suni Found Guilty
This Case Destroyed My Career: Actor Dileep Breaks Silence After Being Acquitted By Court In 2017 Sexual Assault Case
Conspiracy against me began with Manju Warrier's statement: Dileep
Dileep claims conspiracy against him began with ex-wife Manju Warrier’s remark: ‘Real conspiracy was to make me accused, destroy my career and life’
Malayalam actor Dileep acquitted in 2017 assault case, claims 'real' conspiracy to destroy career and image
After nine years, actor Dileep acquitted in sexual assault conspiracy case: A look at the timeline
‘It was after Manju’s statement…’: Why Dileep mentioned ex-wife Manju Warrier in his first comments after acquittal
Malayali actor Dileep acquitted in 2017 high-profile sexual assault case — Timeline
Malayalam actor Dileep acquitted after 8 years: Complete timeline of Kerala’s most controversial assault case
How The 2017 Dileep Case Changed Malayalam Cinema, And What His Acquittal Means
Trial court acquits actor Dileep in actress rape and abduction case
Actor Dileep issues FIRST statement after acquittal, accuses wife of..., 'It was after Manju…’
