Actor assault case: Why public prosecutor believes the sentence sends wrong message

Public Prosecutor Ajakumar on Friday said he was deeply dissatisfied with the sentence awarded in the high-profile actor assault case, describing it as “incomplete justice” and warning that it risks sending the wrong message to society.

Sentence fails to match gravity of crime: Prosecutor

Speaking to the media after the verdict, Ajakumar said the prosecution had suffered “no setback” in the case but stressed that the punishment imposed on the six convicts was inadequate considering the seriousness of the offence.

He said he would recommend that the State government file an appeal seeking a more severe sentence.

“The sentence is not the court’s generosity; it is the prosecution’s right,”

Ajakumar added that several difficulties faced by the prosecution during the trial would be disclosed “in appropriate forums”.

What the court ruled

Earlier in the day, Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge Honey M. Varghese sentenced six accused, including prime accused Pulsar Suni, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for gang rape.

Suni (N.S. Sunil) and co-accused Martin Antony, B. Manikandan, V.P. Vijeesh, H. Salim and Pradeep were found guilty under gang-rape provisions, which mandate a minimum sentence of 20 years.

The court also ordered that the period already spent by the convicts as undertrial prisoners be set off against the total sentence.

Mitigating factors cited by court

While pronouncing the sentence, the judge referred to mitigating circumstances such as the ages and family backgrounds of the convicts, along with the fact that some of them had no previous criminal record.

Each convict was also fined Rs 50,000, with failure to pay attracting an additional one year of imprisonment.

Call for deterrence and public confidence

Ajakumar maintained that the punishment lacked the deterrent effect required for a crime of such brutality.

His remarks reflect sentiments among sections of the public and supporters of the survivor, who argue that stronger judicial intervention was needed to uphold public confidence in the justice system.

State to appeal verdict

State Law Minister P. Rajeeve said the government would move an appeal in the Kerala High Court seeking further review and possible reconsideration of the sentence.