Manju Warrier’s statement on alleged hostility between Dileep and assaulted actress not given due consideration

KOCHI: There are indications that the court did not seriously consider the statement of actress Manju Warrier and the arguments of the prosecution regarding the alleged hostility actor Dileep had towards the assaulted actress. According to the prosecution, Dileep harboured resentment against the survivor because she had informed Manju Warrier about his relationship with actress Kavya Madhavan.

Manju Warrier had stated that Dileep’s relationship with Kavya Madhavan led to the breakdown of her marriage. She said the assaulted actress and other actress friends had informed her about the relationship and had also shared details of phone messages. It was after this that campaigns were allegedly carried out to humiliate the assaulted actress.

Manju Warrier said she was unaware of the matter until February 12, 2012. She became suspicious after noticing certain messages on Dileep’s phone and then sought clarification from her friends. The relationship between Dileep and Kavya had become a widely discussed gossip in the film industry. The issue was reportedly discussed during the rehearsal camp of the stage show 'Mazhavillazhagil Amma', held at Abad Plaza Hotel in Ernakulam in March and April 2013.

After seeing some messages on Dileep’s old phone, Manju and her friends visited the assaulted actress’s house and questioned her. Manju also called Kavya Madhavan’s mother over the phone, who reportedly assured her that the relationship would not continue.

Manju shared these matters with Dileep’s siblings as well. Dileep reportedly responded that he did not remember the messages. The prosecution argued that these incidents were the reason behind Dileep’s hostility towards the assaulted actress.

Contradictions in statements The order notes that there were contradictions in the answers given by witnesses during cross-examination. It also points to inconsistencies in the statements of friends regarding Manju’s inquiry into the alleged relationship between Dileep and Kavya.

The order further notes that Kavya’s parents had accompanied her during stage shows held in the United States. It states that detailed information about the Dileep–Kavya relationship could not be obtained from the assaulted actress, as she was traumatised by the attack. The assaulted actress had stated that Dileep believed she was responsible for the breakdown of his marriage with Manju Warrier. The order also mentions that these matters had been conveyed to Manju Warrier.