Dileep Acquitted in High-Profile Kerala Assault Case; Six Others Found Guilty

A Kerala court acquitted actor Dileep in the 2017 sexual assault case involving a South Indian actress, while six others were found guilty. Despite his acquittal, controversies and legal battles continue, as the state government plans to appeal the verdict and an inquiry into evidence handling remains ongoing.

In a significant verdict, a Kerala court acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep on Monday in the 2017 sexual assault case that shocked the film industry. While Dileep and three others were absolved of charges, the court found six men, including prime accused Sunil N S alias Pulsar Suni, guilty of committing the heinous crime.

The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese presided over the trial, which concluded after a lengthy legal process filled with several dramatic turns. The state government has announced its intention to appeal against the verdict to ensure justice for the survivor, as stated by CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan.

As the verdict unfolds, questions surrounding the handling of evidence and conspiracy claims linger. The prosecution claimed a conspiracy theory linking Dileep to the crime, which led to his 2017 arrest. However, amidst allegations, delays, and procedural twists, Dileep's acquittal has drawn attention to potential mishandling of crucial digital evidence during the trial.

(With inputs from agencies.)