Thu Dec 25 10:48:20 UTC 2025: Summary:

A man named Martin, convicted in the 2017 Kerala actress sexual assault case, has appealed to the Kerala High Court to overturn his conviction. He argues that the trial court failed to properly consider evidence proving his non-involvement and that he was unfairly convicted while another similarly situated accused was acquitted. He claims a lack of evidence connecting him to a conspiracy or the sexual assault itself, stating he was only tasked with picking up the victim. This appeal follows the acquittal of Malayalam actor Dileep in the same case.

News Article:

Convicted Man Appeals Kerala Actress Assault Case Verdict, Cites Lack of Evidence

Kochi, December 25, 2025 – Martin, one of the individuals convicted in the high-profile 2017 Kerala actress sexual assault case, has filed an appeal with the Kerala High Court challenging the trial court’s verdict. Martin argues that crucial evidence demonstrating his innocence was overlooked and that the conviction should be overturned.

In his appeal, Martin asserts that the trial court failed to establish any prior association, contact, or conspiracy between him and the other accused. He highlights the court’s own findings that the prosecution failed to prove the alleged conspiracy. Martin emphasizes that he was convicted despite the victim’s testimony identifying another person taking her from the vehicle and the absence of proof of a criminal conspiracy.

Furthermore, Martin contends that he was unfairly treated compared to another accused facing similar conspiracy charges who was acquitted. He argues that both were similarly placed and should have received equal treatment regarding the appreciation of evidence.

Martin maintains that there were no allegations of sexual assault against him or that he was present at the scene of the crime. He claims his involvement was limited to allegedly conspiring, which, he argues, lacks evidentiary support.

The appeal follows the December 8th verdict, which acquitted Malayalam cinema actor Dileep and three others while sentencing six individuals, including Martin, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in February 2017, with the crime allegedly recorded on a mobile phone. Dileep was arrested on conspiracy charges related to the incident.

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