In a landmark verdict, six individuals have been convicted in the notorious 2017 actress assault case, which left a significant mark on Kerala’s film industry. The ruling, delivered by Judge Honey M. Varghese at the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court, found the main accused, Pulsar Suni, and five others guilty of their roles in the harrowing crime.
Background of the 2017 Actress Assault Case
The assault occurred in February 2017 when a Malayalam actress was reportedly abducted and assaulted in a moving vehicle while en route from Thrissur to Ernakulam. According to police reports, the attackers collided with her vehicle near Angamaly, forcibly entered the car, and drove along the national highway.
During this terrifying ordeal, Pulsar Suni is accused of assaulting the actress and allegedly recording the event on his mobile device. After the attack, she was abandoned outside a film director’s home, and the assailants escaped.
Prosecution and Legal Proceedings
Following the attack, police arrested seven individuals, believing the assault was planned as part of a conspiracy intended to blackmail the actress. Their investigation led to suspicions around actor Dileep, also known as P. Gopalakrishnan, after a letter from Suni surfaced, seemingly linking him to the conspiracy.
Dileep consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the media had misrepresented the facts. He was detained in July 2017, interrogated for hours, and spent a total of 85 days in custody before being granted bail. Over the years, the case has traversed through various courts, including the High Court and the Supreme Court, with charges formally framed against all accused in January 2020.
Recent Developments
In 2022, the case took a noteworthy twist when actor Balachandra Kumar released audio recordings implicating Dileep in alleged attempts to disrupt the investigation and threaten members of the investigative team. This revelation led to the registration of new charges against Dileep and five co-accused for conspiracy against the officials involved in the original case.
Impact on the Film Industry
The brutal nature of the assault sparked outrage throughout Kerala and the Indian film industry. It raised crucial discussions about the safety of women in the entertainment sector. This incident prompted the formation of the Hema Committee, tasked with investigating systemic issues affecting women in the Malayalam film industry.
The Committee’s findings, submitted in 2019, catalyzed further actions, leading the High Court to instruct the government to take necessary legal steps. The 2017 actress assault case remains a pivotal moment, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and reform within the industry.
