After court’s acquittal in Kerala actress assault case, Dileep mulls legal action

Malayalam actor Dileep, acquitted in the 2017 actress assault case, plans new legal action alleging a conspiracy and investigative lapses, while the Kerala government prepares to appeal the verdict, reaffirming support for the survivor amid political reactions and sharp criticism of the probe 

Kochi: Malayalam actor Dileep has indicated that he will initiate fresh legal action following his acquittal by the trial court in the 2017 actress assault case, even as the Kerala government announced its decision to challenge the verdict before the High Court.

In a strong reaction after the judgment, Dileep said he would seek a probe into what he described as a conspiracy behind his implication in the case. He alleged that the investigation team misled even the Chief Minister and claimed he was made a scapegoat by certain officials for their personal gains. He said further legal steps would be taken after he receives a copy of the verdict.

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In a controversial claim, Dileep alleged that the conspiracy to implicate him was initiated by actor Manju Warrier, his former wife. He referred to her speech at an AMMA gathering where she said the conspiracy behind the attack on the actress must be exposed. Dileep claimed he was made an accused soon after this speech. Manju Warrier has not responded.

Supporting Dileep, his counsel B Raman Pillai alleged that a senior police officer conspired to falsely implicate the actor. He specifically named ADGP B Sandhya, accusing her of leading the conspiracy. Dileep also claimed that criminal elements within the police fabricated false narratives using prison inmates to destroy his career.

Meanwhile, the Kerala government has made it clear it will appeal the acquittal in the High Court. Ministers reiterated that the government stands with the survivor and cannot accept the verdict in a case with major political and social ramifications.

Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan said that without the intervention of the late P T Thomas, the case might not have survived. Former police chief T P Senkumar argued that Dileep was not made an accused based on proper evidence and criticised investigative methods that rely on arresting first and searching for evidence later.