Malayalam Actor Dileep Acquitted in 2017 Assault Case, Claims 'Real' Conspiracy to Destroy Career and Image
In a closely watched legal battle that has roiled the Malayalam film industry for nearly a decade, actor Dileep has been acquitted in the 2017 actress assault case. The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court, presided over by Judge Honey M Varghese, delivered the verdict on Monday, December 8, 2025, acquitting Dileep of conspiracy charges. While Dileep was acquitted, the court found six other accused, including Pulsar Suni, guilty of the crime.
The case dates back to February 17, 2017, when a prominent Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving car while traveling from Thrissur to Kochi. The incident sent shockwaves through the industry and led to a protracted legal battle with numerous twists and turns. The prosecution argued that the assault was the result of a conspiracy and accused Dileep of orchestrating the attack.
Following his acquittal, Dileep, whose real name is P. Gopalakrishnan, addressed the media outside the court, expressing his relief and gratitude to his supporters. He vehemently denied the allegations against him and claimed that the case was a "conspiracy" to tarnish his image and ruin his career. "The real conspiracy was to implicate me — to destroy my career, my reputation, and my life," he stated.
Dileep further alleged that his former wife, actress Manju Warrier, triggered the conspiracy against him. He claimed that her public statements hinting at foul play in the case led to a coordinated effort to frame him. He also accused a senior police official and certain "criminal police officers" of fabricating a false story in collusion with the co-accused and amplifying it through the media.
The court, however, found that the prosecution failed to provide enough evidence to prove Dileep's involvement in the conspiracy. While Dileep was acquitted, the court found N S Sunil alias Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, B Manikandan, V P Vijeesh, H Salim (Vadival Salim) and Pradeep guilty of abducting and sexually assaulting the actress. The court will conduct a hearing on December 12, 2025, to determine the punishment for the convicted.
The verdict has evoked mixed reactions, with Dileep's supporters celebrating his acquittal and critics expressing disappointment. The survivor has the option to challenge the verdict in a higher court. The case has been a watershed moment for the Malayalam film industry, raising questions about gender and safety within the industry. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has expressed its solidarity with the survivor and reiterated its commitment to fighting for justice. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has stated that it respects the court's verdict and will let the law take its course.
