Actress Assault Case: Dileep's First Response Mentions Manju Warrier's Past Remarks, While Alleging Conspiracy

Dileep's First Response After Actress Assault Case Verdict: Actor Dileep on Monday reacted publicly for the first time after being acquitted in the high-profile actress assault case, leveling serious allegations against the police and claiming that a wider conspiracy had been built against him. Speaking to reporters outside the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court soon after the verdict was delivered, the actor said the real conspiracy in the case, according to him, was directed against him and alleged that a group of police officers had fabricated evidence in collusion with jail inmates.

Dileep further linked the alleged conspiracy to earlier public remarks made by his former wife, actor Manju Warrier, who had earlier publicly stated that a criminal conspiracy behind the assault should be investigated. Referring to those remarks, Dileep claimed that the move to implicate him began from that point and was carried forward by senior police officials and a team of officers. He claimed that false narratives were created using the main accused and his associates inside prison and later circulated through sections of the media and on social media platforms.

"The story that was constructed against me collapsed in court today," Dileep told reporters, adding that the true conspiracy, according to him, was aimed at destroying his personal life, image, and film career. He also thanked those who stood by him during the lengthy legal battle and expressed gratitude to his legal team for their efforts, naming each one of them.

Verdict Brings Partial Closure to Long Trial

The verdict, delivered by Principal Sessions Judge Honey M. Varghese on December 8, marks the conclusion of one of Kerala's most closely watched criminal trials, which began in 2018. The case stems from a February 2017 incident in which a leading Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted inside a moving vehicle in Kochi. The incident had sent shockwaves across the state and triggered widespread debates on women's safety and accountability within the film industry.

While Dileep, listed as the eighth accused, was acquitted due to lack of sufficient evidence to establish a criminal conspiracy, six other accused, including the prime accused Sunil N.S., alias Pulsar Suni, were convicted on multiple charges, including abduction, gang rape, and conspiracy. Two other accused, Charly Thomas and Sarath, were also cleared of all charges.

Dileep was arrested in July 2017 and remained in custody for 85 days before securing bail. Pulsar Suni, arrested in February 2017, obtained bail from the Supreme Court only in September 2024. The case involved ten accused in total, while three individuals, including a police constable, later turned approvers. Two lawyers who faced allegations in connection with the case were acquitted earlier.

During the trial, the prosecution examined 261 witnesses and produced nearly 1,700 documents. The proceedings were marked by frequent delays and the turning hostile of several witnesses, which significantly affected the prosecution's case.

With the verdict now delivered, while the convictions of the principal accused bring legal closure to one part of the case, Dileep's allegations against the investigation agencies signal that the legal and public discourse surrounding the case is far from over.