Court Rules No Conspiracy Proven Against Dileep in 2017 Kerala Actress Sexual Assault Case, But Government Seeks Review

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Kerala High Court Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese delivered verdict on Monday in the 2017 sexual assault case involving the actors Dilieep and Bhavana. The Malayalam actor was arrested in July 2017 for abducting and assaulting Bhavana in a moving vehicle. 

The court has acquitted him because of the absence of necessary evidence. However, the Kerala state government is unsatisfied with the verdict passed by the lower court and plans to challenge it by filing a formal request to a higher court.

Acquittal Rationale: Failure to Prove Conspiracy

The Kerala government announced its decision to file an appeal against the trial court's verdict. Law Minister P. Rajeev stated the government will approach the High Court concerning the actor's acquittal. He affirmed that the government stands firmly with the survivor in this case.

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Minister Rajeev also discussed the appeal matter with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan before making the decision public. The Law Minister noted that the survivor did not receive "complete justice" through the present ruling. He mentioned the government's strong stand, highlighting that the prosecution had submitted a five-volume argument note. The prosecution team has now been directed to initiate the necessary further legal proceedings.

Kerala Government to Appeal Verdict, Dileep Alleges Framing

Following his acquittal, actor Dileep alleged a "criminal conspiracy" was hatched to frame him in the case. He claimed that this conspiracy began after his ex-wife, Manju Warrier, hinted at foul play initially. The actor accused a senior official and a team of "certain criminal police officers" of orchestrating the action against him.

According to Dileep, they "fabricated a false story" in collusion with the prime suspect and co-accused inside the jail. He further alleged that this false narrative was amplified through a section of the media and journalists. Dileep stated that the "real conspiracy" was to destroy his career, his reputation, and his life. He expressed gratitude to his family, fans, and legal team for supporting him through the ordeal.

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He further added, “They [the police] got together with the prime accused [Pulsar Suni] and his jail mates to concoct a fake story against me. They got together with some media and spread this fake story on social media. But the fake story fell apart in court.” Dileep remarked, “The real conspiracy was against me. In these nearly nine years, my image in society and my life itself was ruined.”