The Kerala state government is set to file a crucial appeal in the high-profile 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case within the next few days. The appeal will challenge the trial court's controversial verdict that convicted only six out of the ten accused, while acquitting four others, including prominent Malayalam actor Dileep.
Government Gives Green Signal for High Court Appeal
Official permission for the prosecution to file the appeal was granted last week when the joint secretary of the home department signed the necessary file. This procedural step clears the way for the state to formally contest the trial court's decision before the Kerala High Court. The appeal is expected to be submitted within the next two to three days, marking a significant development in the long-running legal battle.
Recap of the Trial Court's Verdict and Sentencing
The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court, presided over by Judge Honey M Varghese, delivered its verdict on December 12. The court convicted six individuals for their roles in the horrific crime. The convicted men are: Sunil NS (alias Pulsar Suni), Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh VP, Salim H, and Pradeep.
They were found guilty under serious charges, including gang rape under Section 376D and criminal conspiracy under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code. For the gang rape charge, the court sentenced each of them to 20 years of imprisonment, which is the minimum punishment prescribed for this offence.
Acquittals and Public Disappointment
In a move that sparked widespread criticism, the trial court acquitted the eighth accused, actor Dileep, and three others. The court observed that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish the charges of conspiracy and other alleged offences against them.
The sentencing of the six convicts to the minimum mandatory term of 20 years has also been met with disappointment from various sections of society and the victim's supporters. Many have voiced the opinion that the brutal nature of the crime warranted a more severe punishment, potentially life imprisonment.
The Crime That Shook the Nation
According to the prosecution's case, the survivor, a popular multilingual actress, was abducted and sexually assaulted in her car on February 17, 2017. The accused, led by Pulsar Suni, allegedly forced their way into her vehicle. The prosecution stated that Suni sexually assaulted the actor while the other convicts assisted, and the entire act was video recorded. This case has remained one of the most closely followed legal dramas in the Indian entertainment industry for over seven years.
The state government's decision to appeal demonstrates its intent to seek what it perceives as complete justice in this sensitive case, ensuring all alleged conspirators are held accountable.
