Following the acquittal of her ex-husband, Dileep, in the 2017 Kerala actress assault case, Manju Warrier has voiced her opinion, stating that justice remains "incomplete". Dileep, a prominent Malayalam actor, was cleared of all charges on December 8, 2025, by Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese, after a nearly eight-year legal battle.
In a statement released on December 14, 2025, Warrier expressed her respect for the court but emphasized that justice for the survivor is yet to be fully realized. Her statement, issued in both Malayalam and English, highlighted that while those who directly committed the crime have faced consequences, the individual(s) who orchestrated the assault remain unpunished. "Only those who perpetrated the crime have faced consequences. The individual who orchestrated and facilitated this atrocious act, whoever that may be, continues to remain unpunished, which is alarming," she stated.
Warrier further asserted that true justice will only be achieved when all those involved in the crime are held accountable. She stressed that her concern extends beyond the individual victim, encompassing every woman's right to live without fear in their workplaces, on the streets, and in all aspects of life. She concluded her statement with "With her. Then, now, and always,” showing her solidarity with the survivor.
The 2017 case involved the abduction and sexual assault of a leading Malayalam actress in a moving car in Kochi on February 17, 2017. The incident, which lasted for approximately two hours, was also video-recorded by the perpetrators to blackmail the actress. Following the incident, the survivor bravely approached the police, leading to the arrest of several individuals, including Dileep, who was accused of being the mastermind behind the crime.
During the trial, 261 witnesses were examined, including prominent figures from the film industry. However, many of these witnesses turned hostile, complicating the prosecution's case. The case also exposed deep-seated issues within the Malayalam film industry, particularly concerning workplace safety and gender dynamics.
The court's decision on December 8, 2025, acquitted Dileep and three others, while convicting six individuals, including Pulsar Suni, who was found guilty of rape. The convicted individuals faced charges including rape, abduction, criminal conspiracy, and outraging modesty. Sentencing for the convicted is scheduled for December 12, 2025.
Dileep, after the acquittal, expressed relief and stated that the truth had prevailed after an eight-year wait. He also criticized Manju Warrier, alleging that her public statements had intensified the controversy and damaged his reputation. According to a PTI report, Dileep claimed there had been a "real conspiracy" to frame him.
The survivor in the case also released a statement, expressing her disappointment and questioning whether all citizens are treated equally before the law. She revealed that two public prosecutors resigned during the trial, citing a hostile environment and perceived bias in the proceedings. She also claimed that her requests for a proper investigation into the alleged tampering of the memory card and for an open court proceeding were denied.
Women's rights groups have expressed disappointment over Dileep's acquittal, and the Kerala government and prosecution are planning to appeal the verdict, reaffirming their support for the survivor. The case has sparked a wider discussion on judicial transparency, digital evidence handling, and public expectations of judges in sensitive trials.
