Kerala Actress Assault Case Verdict: Six Sentenced to 20 Years for 2017 Attack

A Kerala court has sentenced six men to 20 years in jail. The sentence is for a 2017 gang-rape and assault case involving a prominent South Indian actress. The verdict was delivered on Friday by the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court.The court ordered rigorous imprisonment for the convicted offenders. Judge Honey M Varghese pronounced the sentence. According to PTI, the court also directed a compensation of ₹5 lakh to be paid to the survivor.

Details of the Conviction and Legal Proceedings

The convicted individuals are Sunil NS (Pulsar Suni), Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh VP, Salim H, and Pradeep. They were found guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code. Charges included gang rape, criminal conspiracy, and wrongful confinement.Additional sentences for other charges will run concurrently. The court ruled that a pen drive containing evidence must remain with the investigating officer. The special public prosecutor had argued for the maximum punishment under the law.The prosecutor expressed disappointment with the sentence. He stated the court gave only the minimum term for the gang rape charge. According to India Today, he advised the government to appeal for a harsher punishment.

Case Background and Acquittals

The horrific incident occurred on February 17, 2017. The assailants allegedly forced their way into the actress’s car. They held her for two hours, assaulted her, and recorded the act.Actor Dileep was initially accused of conspiring in the crime. He was arrested but later acquitted after a long trial. Three other accused individuals were also acquitted by the court in December.The trial lasted nearly six years. The case drew massive media attention and public outrage. It highlighted issues of celebrity safety and judicial delays in sensitive cases.

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The 20-year sentence closes a major chapter in this harrowing case. It underscores the legal system’s stance on crimes against women. The Kerala actress assault case verdict delivers long-awaited justice to the survivor.

Thought you’d like to know

Who received the 20-year sentence in the Kerala case?

The six men sentenced are Sunil NS (Pulsar Suni), Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh VP, Salim H, and Pradeep. They were convicted for gang rape and related charges. The court ordered them to undergo rigorous imprisonment.

Was actor Dileep convicted in this case?

No, actor Dileep was acquitted. The court found him not guilty of conspiracy charges in December. Three other accused individuals were also acquitted during the trial.

What compensation did the court award the survivor?

The court directed a compensation of ₹5 lakh to be paid to the victim. This is in addition to the prison sentences for the convicts. The evidence pen drive will remain in official custody.

How long did the trial for this case last?

The trial lasted nearly six years. The assault occurred in February 2017. The final verdict and sentencing were delivered in early 2025.

What was the prosecution’s reaction to the sentence?

The special public prosecutor expressed disappointment. He stated the 20-year term was the minimum for gang rape. He advised the government to appeal for a harsher punishment.