Mon Dec 08 05:35:16 UTC 2025: Summary:

Actor Dileep has been acquitted of all charges in the 2017 Kerala actor rape case by the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge. While Dileep walks free after an eight-year trial, the first six accused have been found guilty, with sentencing scheduled for December 12th. The high-profile case involved allegations of gang rape, conspiracy, and distribution of obscene images, with the prosecution arguing Dileep conspired to humiliate the victim.

News Article:

Indian Actor Dileep Acquitted in Landmark Rape Case, Six Others Convicted

KOCHI, India – December 8, 2025 – Celebrated Malayalam actor Dileep was acquitted today of all charges in the widely publicized 2017 Kerala actress rape case. The verdict, delivered by Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge Honey M. Varghese, marks the end of an eight-year legal battle that captivated the nation and involved numerous figures in the Indian film industry.

While Dileep, who was the eighth accused in the case, was cleared of all wrongdoing, the court found the first six accused guilty of the charges against them. They are N.S. Sunil alias ‘Pulsur Suni’, Martin Antony, B. Manikandan, V. P. Vijeesh, H. Salim alias Vadiwal Salim, and Pradeep. Their sentencing is scheduled for December 12th.

The charges against the convicted include gang rape, criminal conspiracy, outraging the modesty of a woman, wrongful confinement, use of criminal force, destruction of evidence, and distributing obscene images.

The prosecution’s case rested on the accusation that the accused raped the actress in a moving car on February 17, 2017, and that Dileep conspired with Pulsar Suni to humiliate the survivor by filming nude scenes. They alleged Dileep offered ₹1.5 crore for the job.

The courtroom was overflowing with lawyers, media personnel, and supporters as the verdict was announced. The details of the verdict will be made available once the court uploads the full judgment. The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of prominent film personalities, and the testimonies of numerous actors.

The trial also saw actors Bindu Panicker, Edavela Babu, and Bhama being declared hostile witnesses after they retracted earlier statements.

Read More