On Monday, a Kerala Court found Malayalam actor Dileep not guilty in the 2017 actor assault case. The prosecution could not prove his involvement in the alleged criminal conspiracy.
However, the court convicted six other defendants for criminal conspiracy, assault to outrage modesty, abduction, attempt to disrobe, and gang rape. The verdict announced at 11 am by Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese.
Kerala Court release actor Dileep from assault charges
After the verdict, actor Dileep thanked those who supported him over the past nine years. He claimed the case against him arose from a “criminal conspiracy” initially noted by his former wife, actor Manju Warrier. He said that a senior police officer and a team later “carried out” the conspiracy, creating a false story.
He said they used the media and social platforms to promote this narrative. Dileep added that this alleged attempt aimed to damage his reputation and life but ultimately failed in court.
Background of Case
The case involves the alleged sexual assault of a leading Malayalam actor inside her car for almost two hours in Kochi on February 17, 2017. Ten accused, including Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh VP, Salim H, Pradeep, Charly Thomas, Sanil Kumar alias Mesthri Sanil, and Sharath, tried in this case.
All the accused faced charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code. It includes criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, sexual assault, gang rape, destruction of evidence, and common intention, along with provisions of the Information Technology Act.
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