Actress Assault Case: Pulsar Suni And Five Other Convicts Sentenced To 20 Years; Details Inside

Actress Assault Case: The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court on Friday pronounced the sentence for the six men found guilty in the 2017 sexual assault of a Malayalam actress. Judge Honey M. Varghese sentenced all six convicts, including Pulsar Suni, to 20 years in prison and imposed a fine of ₹50,000 each.

The judgment was delivered after considering arguments from both the prosecution and the defense. The six convicted individuals are Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, B. Manikandan, V.P. Vijesh, H. Salim (Vadival Salim), and Pradeep. They were found guilty of charges including gang rape and criminal conspiracy, according to a report by Mathrubhumi.

According to Asianet News, the judge noted that the verdict was based solely on evidence presented in court and not influenced by public discussions surrounding the case. The sentencing also considered the age and family circumstances of the accused. The court directed that the fine amount be handed over to the survivor. Reports added that the convicts received the minimum punishment applicable under the relevant IPC sections.

Arguments on the quantum of punishment began at 11:30 AM with all six convicts present. While the prosecution sought the maximum penalty, the defense requested leniency, citing the accused persons' family responsibilities and time already spent in custody. The judgment was delivered around 4:30 PM, confirming the 20-year prison term.

The court further instructed that the pen drive containing visual evidence of the incident be preserved by the investigating officer in a manner that safeguards the victim's privacy.

Dileep and Other Three Accused Walk Free

On December 8, four others, including actor Dileep, were acquitted. The court found that the prosecution could not establish evidence of criminal conspiracy against Dileep, and he, along with Charley Thomas, Sanil Kumar, and Sarath G. Nair, was cleared of all charges related to the assault case. However, Sanil Kumar reportedly will continue to remain in custody due to a separate case under the POCSO Act.

During Friday's proceedings, the convicts addressed the court, seeking a reduction in their sentences. Pulsar Suni said he has only his mother, while Martin Antony stated that he supports his elderly parents and broke down in court. Both Martin and B. Manikandan maintained their innocence, with Manikandan adding that he has young children.

The prosecution maintained that Pulsar Suni physically assaulted the actress and argued that the remaining accused were part of the conspiracy, requesting that no leniency be granted.

The verdict comes eight years after the assault on February 17, 2017, when the actress was abducted, sexually assaulted, and video-recorded during her journey from Thrissur to Ernakulam. The incident triggered widespread national attention and led to one of the most closely watched trials in Kerala.