In a significant development following a controversial court verdict, the survivor in the high-profile 2017 actor abduction and assault case met with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Cliff House in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. The meeting, which lasted close to an hour, came days after the trial court delivered its judgment, acquitting key accused actor Dileep of conspiracy charges.
Assurance of Support and Government Appeal
During the crucial interaction, the Chief Minister reportedly assured the survivor that the people of Kerala stood firmly with her. He gave a firm commitment that the state government would file an appeal against the trial court's verdict without any delay. This assurance addresses a core demand from the survivor and many supporters who were dismayed by the outcome.
The verdict from the Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court had sentenced six convicts to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. However, it acquitted actor Dileep, the eighth accused, on the charges of criminal conspiracy. The court stated that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove these specific allegations against him.
Survivor's Public Critique and CM's Legal Action Promise
Prior to the meeting, the survivor had expressed her profound disappointment publicly. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote, "After years of pain, tears and emotional struggle, I have come to a painful realisation: not every citizen in this country is treated equally before the law." She added that the verdict, while shocking to many, did not surprise her, as she had sensed irregularities in the handling of the case as early as 2020.
In response to another concerning development, Chief Minister Vijayan also pledged legal action regarding a video circulating online. The video, purportedly released by one of the convicts, Martin, makes allegations of a conspiracy against Dileep. The government has vowed to take steps against its dissemination.
Legal Process in Motion and Continued Public Life
On the legal front, the prosecution has already initiated the process to challenge the court order. The special prosecutor has prepared a report detailing the scope and grounds for the appeal. The focus of the proposed appeal is primarily to contest the acquittal of Dileep and other accused individuals. Procedures to formally draft the appeal after a thorough examination of the trial court judgment are currently underway.
Demonstrating resilience, the survivor later attended the state government's Christmas reception hosted by the Chief Minister in Thiruvananthapuram the same evening. The event, held at a private hotel, saw the presence of several dignitaries including SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, and Swami Gururatnam Jnana Tapaswi, along with ministers and other guests.
This public appearance echoes her strength shown in 2022 when she inaugurated the 26th International Film Festival of Kerala. On that occasion, she was invited to the stage by filmmaker Ranjith, then chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, and received a standing ovation from the audience.
