Actress sexual assault case: 2 convicts move Kerala HC seeking suspension of 20-year jail terms

Kochi: Two convicts in the high-profile actress sexual assault case have moved the Kerala High Court, seeking to overturn their 20-year jail sentences, Live Law reported on Friday. The appeals were filed by Saleem H, also known as Vadival Salim, and Pradeep, identified as the fifth and sixth accused.

Both contended that the prosecution failed to present evidence linking them to the prime accused or any conspiracy in the case.

The Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court had earlier acquitted four individuals, including actor Dileep, while sentencing six others to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. Judge Honey M Varghese handed the sentences to Sunil NS (Pulsar Suni), Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh VP, Salim H, and Pradeep for gang rape.

The six were convicted under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 109, 120B, 342, 354, 354(b), 366, 355(b), 357, 354B, and 376D, as well as Sections 66E and 67A of the Information Technology Act.

Charges against Salim H and Pradeep

Salim H, a bus crew member and the fifth accused, was booked for gang rape, conspiracy, outraging the modesty of a woman, wrongful confinement, use of criminal force, destruction of evidence, and taking or distributing obscene images under IPC Sections 120A, 120B, 109, 376, 342, 204, and 201.

Pradeep, the sixth accused and also a bus crew member, faced identical charges under the same IPC provisions.