Only minimum sentence: Pulsar Suni and others get 20 years for heinous crime

KOCHI: The accused in the actress assault case, who abducted her, sexually assaulted her inside a moving vehicle, and recorded the incident, have been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The lesser punishment awarded by the court, despite the charges allowing for life imprisonment, has triggered widespread criticism.

All six convicted accused received reduced sentences after deducting their time already spent in jail. For the first accused Pulsar Suni (37), the sentence effectively comes down to 12 years and 5 months. The court rejected Special Public Prosecutor V. Ajayakumar’s plea seeking the maximum sentence- life imprisonment.

Criticism has also emerged over the compensation amount. From the total fine of Rs 9.75 lakh imposed on the accused, only Rs 5 lakh is to be given to the survivor, raising concerns about whether this amount truly reflects the gravity of her suffering. The government has decided to file an appeal before the High Court soon.

After a trial that lasted seven years and nine months, Ernakulam Principal District and Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese delivered the verdict. The accused were later shifted to Viyyur Central Prison.

Reduction in sentence based on time already served

The jail time already undergone by the accused will be deducted from the 20-year sentence as follows:

Pulsar Suni: 7 years 7 months

Martin: 5 years 21 days

Manikandan: 4 years 9 months

Vijesh: 5 years 1.5 months

Saleem: 1 year 11 months

Pradeep: 3 years 4 months

Only circumstantial evidence against Dileep, says court

The court observed that only circumstantial evidence existed against actor Dileep and that the prosecution failed to prove the conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt. He was acquitted of the same charges faced by the main accused.

Out of the original ten accused, Dileep (8th accused), Charlie Thomas (7th accused), Sanil Kumar (9th accused), and Sharath Nair (15th accused, added later during further investigation) were acquitted earlier this month. Charlie and Sanil had been accused of sheltering the main accused, while Sharath faced charges of destroying evidence.

“Kerala and the government will always stand with the survivor. Her fight is an inspiration. We will provide all necessary support.”

- Saji Cherian, Minister for Culture

“AMMA stands with the survivor. The government must file an appeal. There have been no discussions about taking Dileep back into the organisation.”

- Shwetha Menon, AMMA President

“The verdict sends the wrong message to society. There was no failure on the part of the prosecution. We will urge the government to file an appeal.”

- V Ajayakumar, Public Prosecutor