Actress Assault Case: Who Are The Accused? Full List Including Dileep, Pulsar Suni, And Others

Actress Assault Case: The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court is set to deliver the long-awaited verdict in the high-profile actress assault case today, December 8. The trial, one of the most closely watched criminal proceedings in Kerala in recent years, involves ten accused, including prominent actor P.Gopalakrishnan, popularly known as Dileep. The court's decision will bring an end to a trial that has been ongoing since 2018, with several interruptions over the years. The Hindu reports that the proceedings were held in-camera and involved over 260 witnesses and around 1,700 documents.

The case traces back to February 17, 2017, when the survivor, a Malayalam film actress, was allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted while traveling in a vehicle. According to the prosecution, the crime was also recorded by the accused. The trial primarily revolves around the charges of gang rape, conspiracy, wrongful confinement, outraging the modesty of a woman, use of criminal force, and the taking and distribution of obscene images under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

List of Accused in the Case

Sunil N.S. alias Pulsar Suni: The first accused, a driver from Vengoor, Ernakulam, was arrested on February 23, 2017, and remained in custody for over seven years. He was later released on stringent bail conditions. He faces multiple charges, including gang rape and conspiracy.

Martin Antony: The second accused, a driver at a private film studio in Kochi, is booked under similar charges as Pulsar Suni.

Manikandan B.: The third accused, an autorickshaw driver, faced identical charges and reportedly attempted suicide in November 2025 after being briefly taken into police custody for alleged public nuisance.

Vijeesh V.P.: The fourth accused, an electrician, is also booked under the same charges related to the assault.

Salim H. alias Vadival Salim: The fifth accused, a bus crew member, faces charges including gang rape and conspiracy.

Pradeep: The sixth accused, also a bus crew member, is charged similarly.

Charly Thomas: A bakery employee and the seventh accused, was charged with harboring the main perpetrators after the crime.

P.Gopalakrishnan alias Dileep: The eighth accused and a prominent actor, has been charged with gang rape, conspiracy, and related offences, although the prosecution contends he was not physically present at the scene.

Sanilkumar alias Mesthiri Sanil: The ninth accused, previously involved in a separate POCSO case, is alleged to have conspired with Pulsar Suni in jail to extort money. He remains in custody.

Sarath: The tenth accused, a hotel owner and close acquaintance of Dileep, is also named in the case.

In addition, three other accused, Vishnu, Vipin Lal, and police constable Aneesh, reportedly turned approvers, while two lawyers previously linked to the case were acquitted.

The court's judgment today is expected to clarify the involvement of each accused and conclude one of the most prolonged legal battles in Kerala's recent criminal history.