A Kerala court acquitted actor Dileep in the 2017 Malayalam actor assault case after nearly eight and a half years of trial.
The verdict marked the end of one of the most sensational cases in the Malayalam film industry.
On February 17, 2017, six men abducted a popular Malayalam actor while she was travelling from Thrissur to Kochi. They assaulted her in a moving car and filmed the incident. Actor-director Lal advised her to file a case, and police began investigating the same day.
History-sheeter Pulsar Suni surrendered and was named the prime accused. Investigators later arrested Dileep after phone records, statements, and a leaked letter suggested his involvement. He became the eighth accused in the case.
Police charged Dileep, Pulsar Suni, and others under sections including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and gang rape. Allegations claimed Dileep orchestrated the assault to settle personal scores. His arrest shocked the film industry and sparked debates about influence and power.
Dileep spent 85 days in custody before securing bail in October 2017. The trial faced delays, petitions, and controversies. Witnesses, including actors Siddique and Bindu Panicker, turned hostile. Director Balachandrakumar later alleged that Dileep possessed the assault visuals and planned attacks on the police.
On December 8, 2025, Special Judge Honey M Varghese acquitted Dileep but convicted Pulsar Suni of rape. The trial examined 261 witnesses, with the investigation officer questioning for 109 days.
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