Actress assault case: Quantum of punishment within hours as court hearing wraps up; Suni identified as main culprit

Ernakulam: Ernakulam Principal Sessions court on Friday is expected to announce the quantum of punishment for all six convicted in the sensational 2017 actress assault case.  The court has identified first accused Pulsar Sunil as the main culprit, saying he was the kingpin behind the crime. The other convicted are Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh V P, Salim H, and Pradeep. They were found guilty of gang rape and recording defamatory visuals of the actress—offences that carry sentences ranging from life imprisonment to a minimum of 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment.

The quantum of punishment will be declared at 3:30 pm, as the hearing of both defence and prosecution has been completed.

The hearing began at 11:30 am, with all six accused present in court.

Court cautions against misrepresentation

The court began the hearing with a warning that judicial procedures must not be misrepresented. “Activities that obstruct court proceedings or portray them negatively should not be undertaken by lawyers or journalists,” Justice Honey M. Varghese cautioned. She emphasised that while individuals may explore their past and future, the court’s procedures must not be depicted in a poor light.

What happened during the defence hearing

Reports said the second accused, Martin, broke down before the judge, insisting on his innocence. The third accused, Manikandan, also claimed he had not committed any offence. Pulsar Sunil pleaded for leniency, saying he has only his mother. Salim said he is the sole support for his wife and child. Vijesh requested leniency and asked to be jailed in Kannur.

Prosecution demands life imprisonment

The prosecution has been advocating life imprisonment for the convicted. It also said all accused acted like a chain. The court reportedly contemplated whether it is better to have the sentence differ for each accused, as they were all part of the crime, with Sunil playing the main role. It also asked whether the probe in the case had been completed, when the prosecution said more details about the crime are yet to be unravelled. The court asked the prosecution whether the verdict is written for society. The prosecution noted that this verdict concerns the dignity of a woman and added the helplessness of the survivor.

Additional developments

Following his acquittal in the case, Malayalam actor Dileep signalled that he would initiate fresh legal action.

He said he would seek a probe into what he called a “conspiracy” behind his implication in the case.

He alleged that the investigation team had misled even the Chief Minister and that he was made a scapegoat for the personal gains of certain officials.

Dileep said further steps would be taken after he receives the court verdict copy.

He also made a controversial claim that the conspiracy began with actor Manju Warrier, his former wife, citing her speech at an AMMA gathering where she said the conspiracy behind the attack must be exposed. He said he was made an accused soon after that speech.

Manju Warrier has not commented on these allegations. The Kerala government has meanwhile confirmed that it will appeal the acquittal of accused, including actor Dileep, before the High Court.

Ministers said the government stands firmly with the survivor and cannot accept the trial court’s conclusion in a case with major political and social implications.

Meanwhile, the survivor’s counsel, Mini TB, has claimed to have faced a cyber attack.