The 2017 actress assault case has reached a critical juncture with all three convicted accused filing appeals in the Kerala High Court to overturn their convictions. Simultaneously, the state government is gearing up to contest the acquittal of actor Dileep and three others. Martin, the second accused, claims he was not present during the assault and was only accused of conspiring with the main culprit, Pulsar Suni.
Actor Dileep, the eighth accused, who faced a similar charge but was acquitted by the trial court, is also seeking relief through an appeal. The other two convicts, Pradeep and Vadival Saleem, have likewise approached the High Court to challenge their convictions. The court has instructed the prosecution to respond to the appeals within four weeks.
In a parallel development, the Kerala government has authorized the filing of an appeal against the trial court’s decision to acquit actor Dileep and three others. The appeal is expected to be lodged shortly after the High Court resumes post the Christmas break, underscoring the State’s determination to pursue the case further.
Moreover, police have arrested three individuals for disseminating a video released by Martin that disclosed the survivor’s identity. The arrested individuals, hailing from Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Alappuzha districts, have been charged under non-bailable sections. Investigations revealed that the video, which was derogatory and degrading, was circulated for commercial gain through various Facebook pages.
As part of the crackdown, authorities have shut down over 100 websites and identified the video being shared on more than 200 digital platforms. Further arrests are anticipated as police intensify their efforts. Police have affirmed their commitment to taking stringent action against anyone involved in breaching the privacy and dignity of sexual violence survivors, as the case progresses into a crucial legal phase with impending appeals from both the convicted individuals and the State.
