A Kerala court on Monday acquitted actor Dileep over the abduction and rape of an actress in 2017. The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court ruled the prosecution had failed to prove the Malayalam star’s involvement. However, six others were found guilty of rape and conspiracy.
The three other persons – apart from Dileep – were also acquitted.
Speaking immediately after the verdict Dileep, who was present in court, said, “This was a conspiracy against me. I thank all the lawyers and everybody else who helped me…”
The other nine who faced trial were Sunil NS, alias Pulsar Suni; Martin Antony; Manikandan B; Vijesh VP; Salim H; Pradeep; Charly Thomas; Sanil Kumar, alias Mesthri Sanil; and Sharath.
Of these nine, the first six were found guilty.
The survivor, whose courage in pursuing the case drew national attention, was also present.
The verdict marks the culmination of nearly eight years of prolonged legal battle following the abduction and assault of a prominent Malayalam actress in February 2017. The actress, who has worked in both the Malayalam and Tamil film industries, was kidnapped and sexually abused, in her car, for two hours on the night of February 17 by a group of men who then fled.
The prosecution had alleged the crime was part of a criminal conspiracy, with Dileep accused of orchestrating the attack. In October the prosecution also accused him of destroying evidence.
During the trial key witnesses turned hostile and weakened the prosecution’s case.
The actor, however, consistently maintained his innocence.