In a significant development in the long-running Kerala actor assault case, the prosecution has strongly criticized the recent acquittal of prominent Malayalam actor Dileep. The state has declared its intention to file an appeal against the verdict, calling it legally unsustainable.
Prosecution's Scathing Report on the Verdict
The prosecution submitted a detailed report on January 8, 2026, which forms the basis for the upcoming appeal. In this document, the legal team has launched a fierce critique of the trial court's judgment. The core of their argument is that the evidence presented by the prosecution was appreciated in a most unfair, non-judicious, and partisan manner by the court.
This language indicates a serious allegation of judicial bias and a failure to properly evaluate the material placed on record. The prosecution's stance suggests they believe the evidence was substantial enough to warrant a conviction, and the acquittal represents a miscarriage of justice.
The Backdrop: A Case That Shook the Industry
The case dates back to 2017, when a leading actress in the Malayalam film industry was abducted and assaulted in a moving vehicle in Kochi. The crime sent shockwaves across India, leading to widespread protests and calls for justice. Actor Dileep was subsequently arrested in July 2017, accused of being the mastermind behind the attack. After a lengthy trial, he was acquitted by the trial court in late 2025, a verdict that sparked mixed reactions.
The prosecution's current move confirms that the legal battle is far from over. Their planned appeal will take the case to a higher court, where the entire evidence and the lower court's reasoning will be scrutinized afresh.
What Happens Next?
The prosecution has indicated that the formal appeal will be filed soon. This next phase will involve:
- Drafting a comprehensive appeal petition highlighting the alleged legal and factual errors in the trial court's order.
- Presenting arguments before the Kerala High Court, urging it to set aside the acquittal.
- Potentially seeking a re-examination of witnesses and evidence.
The case remains one of the most high-profile legal dramas in Kerala's recent history, closely watched for its implications on justice for sexual assault survivors and the accountability of powerful figures in the entertainment industry. The prosecution's firm stance sets the stage for a protracted legal fight in the higher judiciary.
