After nearly nine years of hearings and delays, the Ernakulam Sessions Court will finally deliver its verdict today in the 2017 Malayalam actor abduction and assault case. The ruling marks a major milestone in a case that shook Kerala and dramatically altered how Malayalam cinema is viewed worldwide.
The case began on the night a famous Malayalam woman actor was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in a moving car in Kochi. The incident dominated national conversation especially after fellow actor Dileep was accused of planning the attack and later taken into custody. Over the years, the trial was marred by multiple controversies, including witnesses turning hostile and allegations that the presiding judge had slut-shamed the survivor and acted with prejudice.
Who were the Accused in the Case
A total of ten people stand accused in the case, including actor Dileep, who is alleged to have orchestrated the crime. All ten are currently out on bail. The list of accused is as follows:
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A1: Sunil N.S. (Pulsar Suni) – The main accused who allegedly carried out the sexual assault and recorded it. He received bail from the Supreme Court in September 2024 after more than seven years in custody.
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A2: Martin Antony – The survivor’s driver, accused of helping the attackers by revealing her location.
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A3: B. Manikandan
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A4: V.P. Vijeesh
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A5: H. Salim (Vadival Salim)
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A6: Pradeep
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A7: Charly Thomas – Accused of sheltering Pulsar Suni and another accomplice.
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A8: P. Gopalakrishnan (Dileep) – The well-known Malayalam actor accused of masterminding the abduction and assault over a personal grudge.
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A9: Sanilkumar (Mesthiri Sanil)
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A10: Sarath G. Nair
Three individuals Vishnu, Vipin Lal and P.K. Aneesh (a police officer) initially named as accused later turned approvers, receiving pardon in exchange for testimony. Two lawyers accused of handling the phone containing assault visuals were charged in a supplementary chargesheet but were later acquitted.
The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court will announce the verdict on December 8, 2025.
Timeline of the 2017 Actor Assault Case
February 17, 2017 – The Attack
A popular South Indian film actor is abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving vehicle in Kochi. The News Minute reports that the attackers recorded the assault in eight video clips.
February 18 – Complaint Registered
The survivor files a complaint. Investigators identify Sunil Kumar (Pulsar Suni) as the prime accused, and driver Martin Antony is arrested.
February 19 – More Arrests and Industry Outrage
Two more suspects Vadival Salim and Pradeep were detained. The Malayalam film industry holds a solidarity event featuring Mohanlal, Mammootty, and other major stars. At the gathering, actor Manju Warrier, the survivor’s close friend and Dileep’s ex-wife, declares, “There has clearly been a criminal conspiracy behind this crime.” Her statement fuels the belief that the attack was planned, not spontaneous. Dileep is also present at the event.
February 20 – Another Arrest
Police arrest Manikandan, adding to the accused list.
February 23 – Key Arrests
Police capture Pulsar Suni and Vijesh as they attempt to surrender in court.
April 18 – Chargesheet Filed
Investigators present a detailed chargesheet before the Angamaly Magistrate Court, listing Suni as Accused No. 1, as reported by Deshabhimani.
May 2017 – WCC is Formed
Women actors create the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) to support the survivor and push for reforms in the industry.
June 2017 – The Letter
A letter allegedly written by Suni to Dileep becomes public. He claims he never betrayed Dileep, accuses him of failing to arrange a lawyer, and demands money.
Dileep denies the claims but makes comments in an interview that draw strong criticism for victim-blaming.
June 28 – Lengthy Questioning
Police question Dileep and actor-director Nadirsha for 13 hours.
July 10 – Dileep Arrested
Investigators arrest Dileep after learning that Suni had visited him on a film set. He is placed in judicial custody. Major film bodies, including AMMA, remove him from their membership.
October 3 – Bail Granted
The Kerala High Court grants Dileep conditional bail after he spends 85 days in jail.
June 2018 – AMMA Row
With Mohanlal becoming AMMA president, the organization decides to reinstate Dileep. In protest, the survivor and three WCC members resign from AMMA. Amid backlash, Dileep rejects the reinstatement.
