The verdict

Every time we go back into the details of the attack on the young Malayalam actress, a shudder passes through just thinking of what all she might have endured. It is appalling to even think that a prominent actress, known throughout the country, had to endure such brutality on the streets of a lively Kochi. Although no verdict will ultimately be enough to alleviate the physical and mental trauma she suffered, Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge Honey M. Varghese ruled that the accused from one to six in that case were guilty and that all the charges against them were proven. The court announced that the punishment for the accused will be pronounced on the 12th. It can be assumed that the accused will receive the maximum punishment so that no one dares to repeat such an incident.

The case became a topic of discussion in every household across Kerala because of the role of actor Dileep, who became the eighth accused in the case. The court, after eight long years of trial, acquitted Dileep on the basis that the evidence submitted was not sufficient to prove the conspiracy charge. The main accused in the case, Pulsar Suni alias N.S. Sunil, Martin Antony, B. Manikandan, V.P. Vijeesh, H. Salim and Pradeep were found guilty by the court.

Apart from the Covid lockdown, the trial was dragged out for so long due to the multiple sub-petitions and appeals filed by the accused actor Dileep, the prosecution, and the survivor. The shocking revelations made by director Balachandra Kumar made the court stop the trial and direct the police to reopen the investigation. If it were not for the timely intervention of the late PT Thomas, a former MLA from Thrikkakara and a staunch political leader, this incident would have been buried forever as a secret known only to a few who set the agenda in the film industry. There are indications that similar incidents have happened before in the film industry, where money and fame reign supreme.

PT Thomas, who came to the house of film actor and director Lal along with film producer Anto Joseph that very night, informed the police higher-ups about the shocking incident. It was the prompt intervention and investigation of the police that led to the arrest of all the accused without any delay.

Later, at a meeting held in Kochi under the auspices of film organisations to express protest over this incident, Dileep's ex-wife and prominent actress Manju Warrier alleged a conspiracy and demanded an investigation. This turned all attention to Dileep, who started facing the heat. Very soon, Dileep was questioned and arrested. He ended up becoming the eighth accused in the case, which, in the meantime, attained national-level attention.

Dileep's arrest was recorded on July 10, 2017. The next day, he was lodged in the Aluva sub-jail. Later, on October 3, he was granted conditional bail. However, the damage was done as the fandom and popularity Dileep cultivated among family audiences got strained beyond repair.

The court gives its verdict in any case based on the facts and evidence, and the reasons proven through the trial. Even if the court is convinced of the guilt, there is no other way in our law than to let the accused go due to a lack of evidence. All should respect the law and move on. However, the wound that the case inflicted on the minds of Malayalees will remain indelible for a long time.