Actor assault case: Widespread dismay in Dileep’s acquittal

Kochi: Actor Dileep's acquittal in the 2017 high-profile actress assault case, in which the verdict was announced on Monday, has triggered sharp and emotionally charged reactions across Kerala’s political and cultural landscape, even as the state government signalled its intent to challenge the verdict in a higher court, according to IANS.

Earlier on Monday, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court acquitted Dileep and three others, holding that the prosecution had failed to establish the charge of criminal conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt.

The first six accused were found guilty in the case.

All 10 accused were present in the court as directed during the pronouncement of the judgment.

Leading voices from the film fraternity and civil society expressed shock and disappointment at the judgment.

Actor Rima Kallingal said the survivor was in deep shock following what she described as a denial of justice, adding that she would continue to stand firmly with her.

Writer-activist Bhagyalakshmi termed the verdict "pre-written", while feminist leader K. Ajitha remarked that she had not expected a different outcome, but noted that the period Dileep spent in jail itself was significant.

Actor Parvathy Thiruvothu, in a strongly worded Instagram post, asked: "What kind of justice is this?" She added that the verdict marked the beginning of the unravelling of a “carefully crafted and cruel script.”

Responding to the developments, Law Minister P. Rajeeve confirmed that the state government would file an appeal against the acquittal.

He said he had discussed the judgment with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Education Minister V. Sivankutty reiterated that the government has always stood with the survivor and would continue to do so, adding that a clear and firm stand would be taken on pursuing legal remedies.