Manju Warrier Reacts to Assault Case Verdict, Questions Acquittal of Alleged Mastermind

Actress Manju Warrier is dissatisfied with the court order in the 2017 Malayalam actress attack case. She found the court order “incomplete.” According to her, while the perpetrators have been punished, the alleged mastermind of the crime remains at large.

Recently, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court sentenced all six accused in the 2017 actress assault case to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. Actor Dileep was acquitted in the same case. Regarding this matter, actress Manju Warrier said on Instagram, "I have great respect for the Honorable Court." But in this case, the victim still hasn't received complete justice. Only the perpetrators have been punished.

The actress further said, "The mind that planned and executed this horrific act, whoever it may be, is still roaming free. This is horrifying. Justice will only be complete when everyone behind this crime is held accountable. This isn't just for one victim. It's for every girl, every woman, every human being who deserves to walk boldly, with their heads held high, without fear, in their workplaces, on the streets, and in life."

Justice Honey M. Varghese, who presided over the case, held the defendants guilty of kidnapping with intent to rape, criminal conspiracy, and gang rape. A fine of ₹50,000 is also imposed on each of the accused persons. If the fine is not paid, an additional one year of imprisonment is imposed. The first accused, Pulsar Suni, received an additional five-year sentence under the IT Act. The court clarified that all sentences will run concurrently. The sessions court had acquitted Malayalam actor and eighth accused, Dileep, in this case. He was accused of masterminding the crime.

The case involved an actress who worked in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films. It is alleged that on the night of February 17, 2017, some men entered her car and kidnapped her. They then sexually assaulted her and filmed her.