In a landmark ruling delivered today, a Kerala court acquitted popular Malayalam actor Dileep of all charges in the high-profile 2017 abduction and sexual assault case of a prominent actress. However, the court convicted the main accused, Sunil N.S., popularly known as Pulsar Suni (A1), along with five others (A2 to A6), for rape and other related offenses.
The judgment was pronounced by Smt. Honey M. Varghese at the Principal District and Sessions Court, Ernakulam, on Monday, December 8, bringing an end to a trial that lasted more than eight years. The court found accused 1 to 6 guilty of rape, molestation, abduction, and other offenses under Sections 120B, 340, 354, 366, 354B, and 376D of the Indian Penal Code. Their sentencing has been scheduled for December 12, 2025.
Background of the Kerala abduction and sexual assault Case
The case revolves around the abduction and sexual assault of a Malayalam actress on February 17, 2017, while she was travelling in a moving vehicle on the outskirts of Kochi. The assailants are also alleged to have recorded videos of the assault. Sunil N.S. (Pulsar Suni) was the prime accused in executing the crime, while actor Dileep was named as the 8th accused, allegedly involved in planning the criminal conspiracy behind the attack.
Originally, there were 12 accused in the case. Two individuals, Pratheesh Chacko and Raju Joseph, were discharged, while one, Vishnu, turned approver. Other accused include Martin Antony, Manikandan B., Vijeesh V.P., Salim H. (Vadival Salim), Pradeep, Charly Thomas, and Sanilkumar (Mesthiri Sanil). Dileep spent around 80 days in judicial custody before the Kerala High Court granted him bail. Pulsar Suni spent more than seven and a half years in jail before the Supreme Court granted him bail in September 2024, observing that the trial was unlikely to conclude soon.
Legal Proceedings and Challenges in Kerala abduction and sexual assault Case
The trial witnessed multiple legal challenges initiated both by the survivor and Dileep before the High Court and Supreme Court. In 2018, Dileep requested a CBI investigation, claiming Kerala Police bias, but the High Court rejected the plea, noting that the accused cannot dictate which agency should investigate him. An appeal filed this year against the dismissal was also rejected, with the court observing that the trial was nearing its conclusion.
In February 2019, the High Court allowed the survivor’s request for the trial to be conducted by a woman judge. In 2020, she filed another plea seeking a transfer of the trial, alleging that the presiding judge was biased. In November 2019, while rejecting Dileep’s plea for a copy of the memory card containing visuals of the assault, the Supreme Court ordered that the trial be completed “expeditiously,” preferably within six months, i.e., by January 31, 2023. The Apex Court later granted extensions, allowing the trial to continue while emphasizing that proceedings should be completed as quickly as possible.
In August 2025, following a petition by a journalist, the Kerala High Court directed the Principal District and Sessions Court in Ernakulam to submit a status report on the ongoing trial. After concluding arguments and reviewing evidence, the Sessions Court reserved its verdict, which was delivered today.
