A sessions court in Ernakulam, Kerala, is set to pronounce its judgment at 11 a.m. on December 8, 2025, in the high-profile 2017 actress abduction and assault case involving Malayalam actor Dileep among 10 accused. The case, which unfolded nearly nine years ago, has significantly impacted the Malayalam film industry and women's safety reforms. Advocacy groups like the Women in Cinema Collective continue to support the survivor ahead of the verdict.
On February 17, 2017, a prominent Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving car in Kochi, with the assault recorded in eight clips. The survivor filed a complaint the next day, leading to arrests starting with driver Martin Antony on February 18, followed by others including Pulsar Suni (N.S. Sunil), identified as the main perpetrator.
Actor Dileep, the eighth accused, was arrested on July 10, 2017, for allegedly conspiring with Suni on three occasions to humiliate the survivor, including suggesting the filming of obscene acts and offering ₹1.5 crore. He was released on bail after 85 days but faced expulsion from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). A chargesheet named seven initial accused, later expanding to 10.
The trial began on January 30, 2020, in the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court but faced disruptions, including 22 hostile witnesses such as actors Siddique and Bhama. The survivor sought a judge transfer in 2020, alleging bias, but it was rejected. In 2021, director Balachandrakumar accused Dileep of screening assault clips at his home; he died in December 2024 without impacting the trial.
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), formed in May 2017, has supported the survivor, invoking the tagline 'Avalkoppam' (with her) and marking 3,215 days of waiting for justice. In a social media post, WCC stated, 'We stand by her and every survivor who is watching in solidarity.' The case spurred the K. Hema Committee report in August 2024, leading to internal complaints committees on film sets and a state film policy.
Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas revealed her late husband, P.T. Thomas, faced pressure not to testify and vehicle tampering threats in July 2017. She gives a 50-50 chance for justice and calls for survivor protection. Judge Honey M. Varghese will deliver the verdict today, with all accused expected in court.
