D-Day for Dileep; WCC highlights survivor’s courage and her 3215 days of wait for justice

As the Kerala court prepares to deliver its verdict today, December 8 (Monday), in the sensational 2017 actress abduction and assault case, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has come out in strong solidarity with the survivor, calling her journey one of courage, resilience and faith in justice.

The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court will pronounce the verdict today and has directed all 10 accused to be present in court. Popular Malayalam actor Dileep stands as the eighth accused, facing charges of criminal conspiracy.

Dileep was arrested and spent several weeks in jail in 2017 before being granted bail.

On December 7 (Sunday), the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) issued a statement a day before the verdict.

They said:

"This has not been an easy journey. The journey of being a victim to becoming a survivor."

They also highlighted:

"3215 days of waiting for justice."

The statement added:

"Her fight has unleashed many tumultuous journeys for women in cinema, the Malayalam film industry and the state of Kerala. The impact has rippled through our collective conscience and voices have risen for change. Much has to be said for the courage and resilience she has shown through it all, while upholding her faith in the system. Her fight is for every survivor."

They further said:

"We stand by her, and every survivor who is watching, in solidarity."

The statement concluded with the hashtag: #Avalkoppam (with her)

What happened in 2017

On February 17, 2017, a leading Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted inside a moving car while travelling from a film set in Thrissur to Kochi.

The prime accused, Sunil Kumar, also known as Pulsar Suni, was arrested soon after along with his close associates, all allegedly part of the assault plan.

After spending seven years in jail, Suni was recently granted bail by the Supreme Court.

Role of Dileep in the case

Investigators stated that Suni had been working as a driver on film shooting sets since 2010 and had known Dileep personally.

According to the police charge sheet, Dileep allegedly harboured deep personal resentment against the actress, accusing her of informing his former wife about his alleged relationship with another actor, which reportedly caused friction and led to marital upheaval.

The prosecution claims this strained personal equation led to a conspiracy, with Dileep allegedly using Suni and his associates to intimidate and humiliate the actress.

Dileep has consistently denied all allegations, claiming he has been framed.

Why this verdict matters

The case has been unprecedented for its combination of cinema and crime. It has seen prolonged legal proceedings, high-stakes witness testimonies, multiple forensic examinations, allegations of evidence tampering, and intense media scrutiny over the years.

The verdict is expected to have far-reaching implications for justice, accountability, and the rights of survivors in India’s entertainment sector.