Ernakulam Court Sentences Six Accused to 20 Years in 2017 Malayalam Actress Assault Case

The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court handed down an equal 20-year prison term on all the accused in a kidnapping and sexual assault case pertaining to a popular Malayalam actress. The court delivered the sentencing judgment. Judge Honey M. Varghese pronounced the judgment. All accused were found guilty of kidnapping with an intention to rape (IPC 366), criminal conspiracy (IPC 120B), and gang rape (IPC 376D). A fine of ₹50,000 would be imposed on all accused. Those who failed to pay would get an additional term of one year.

Pulsar Suni, an accused in this case, was given an additional five years under the provisions of the Information Technology Act. It implies that Pulsar Suni will have to serve a total term of 25 years. But it should be noted that all these will be served concurrently. The court also directed that a copy of the pen drive containing the visuals be kept in safe custody with Investigating Officer Baiju Paulose.

It is worth noting that Malayalam actor Dileep was acquitted last Monday in the case involving the sexual assault of a popular actress. The actress from the Malayalam film industry was abducted and sexually assaulted in Kochi in February 2017. The court acquitted Dileep and three others in this case. The long and complex legal process, which has lasted for eight years, is now in its final stages. The hearing in the case concluded on November 25th, and six people were convicted. The sentences were announced today, December 12th.

It is worth noting that the Sessions Court acquitted Dileep, a popular actor in the Malayalam industry, in the 2017 sexual assault case, finding him innocent. Following this, Dileep was reinstated. However, other organizations, including Bhagyalakshmi FEFKA, are unhappy with this decision. Actress Bhagyalakshmi has resigned from the Kerala Film Employees Federation and has leveled several allegations against the organization.