Mon Dec 15 10:29:18 UTC 2025: Summary:

Following public outcry and social media backlash, actor Dileep has been removed from inaugurating a festival event at the Ernakulam Siva Temple. The decision was reversed after his acquittal in an actor abduction and rape case sparked controversy, with the survivor in the case and Dileep’s former wife expressing solidarity against the perceived injustice. Previously, a movie screening featuring Dileep on a public bus was also halted due to passenger protest. The temple’s advisory committee initially invited Dileep without full consensus, leading to intervention from the Cochin Devaswom Board. The festival event will proceed without celebrity involvement.

News Article:

Ernakulam Siva Temple Cancels Dileep Inauguration Amidst Public Outcry

KOCHI, India – December 15, 2025 – Actor Dileep has been unceremoniously removed from inaugurating a distribution event at the Ernakulam Siva Temple’s annual festival after widespread criticism. The decision follows Dileep’s recent acquittal in a high-profile actor abduction and rape case that has polarized public opinion.

The temple advisory committee initially extended the invitation to Dileep, a frequent visitor to the temple, but faced strong opposition after the verdict in the assault case triggered significant backlash. The survivor in the case publicly voiced her feelings of injustice, while Dileep’s former wife, actress Manju Warrier, expressed her solidarity with the survivor.

A temple official stated that the decision to invite Dileep was made without consulting the entire advisory committee, leading to internal divisions and intervention from the Cochin Devaswom Board. The committee was advised to remain neutral and open to prayers from both sides of the controversy.

Adding to the pressure, a public screening of Dileep’s film on a KSRTC bus was halted on Sunday after a passenger strongly protested the actor’s presence in the movie.

The planned inauguration, scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed to Wednesday and will proceed without any celebrity involvement. Instead, the temple head priest will now launch the distribution event. The Ernakulam Siva Temple board declined to comment, only saying “That a final decision would be made shortly.”

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