The Principal Sessions Court in Ernakulam has acquitted actor Dileep in the 2017 actress abduction and sexual assault case, citing the prosecution’s failure to prove conspiracy charges against him. However, the court found the first six accused, including prime accused Pulsar Suni, guilty of abduction and rape. The sentencing for those convicted is scheduled for December 12. The verdict concludes a nearly eight-year legal battle that began after a prominent actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving car in February 2017. Following the verdict, Dileep stated the case had destroyed his career. The survivor is expected to appeal the acquittal in a higher court. This high-profile case has had a significant impact on the Malayalam film industry, leading to the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) and prompting discussions on the safety and harassment of women in the workplace.
