Survivor Reacts to Dileep’s Acquittal, Raises Concerns Over Justice and Survivor Rights
The survivor in the high-profile 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case has expressed deep disappointment and anguish following the acquittal of Malayalam actor Dileep in the alleged conspiracy behind the crime. In a strongly worded public response, she described the verdict as unfair and stated that her fundamental rights as a survivor were not adequately protected during the judicial process.
The case, which shook Kerala and the Malayalam film industry, involved the abduction and assault of a prominent actress. While several accused were convicted and sentenced for carrying out the crime, the survivor said the acquittal of the alleged mastermind undermined the years-long struggle she endured in pursuit of justice. She highlighted that the legal battle lasted nearly nine years, during which she faced repeated emotional, professional, and personal challenges.
In her statement, the survivor pointed to what she described as serious lapses during the trial, including concerns over the handling of evidence, the resignation of prosecutors, and repeated denials of requests that she believed were essential for a fair hearing. She stated that these experiences led her to the painful conclusion that justice is not experienced equally by all citizens, particularly when cases involve powerful individuals.
Her reaction triggered widespread public discussion across Kerala and beyond, with many voices from the film industry, women’s rights groups, and civil society expressing solidarity with her. Several prominent actors and activists stated that while the convictions of some accused were significant, justice remains incomplete without accountability for the alleged conspiracy.
The Kerala government has indicated its intention to challenge the acquittal in higher courts, keeping the legal process ongoing. The case has once again brought attention to broader issues surrounding survivor rights, gender-based violence, and the need for judicial systems to ensure transparency, sensitivity, and equality before the law. For many, the survivor’s response stands as a powerful reminder of the emotional toll such cases take and the long road survivors often face in their pursuit of justice.