Actor Dileep accused of obstructing trial in actress assault case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has been informed that actor Dileep is allegedly attempting to disrupt the trial process in the case involving the assault of an actress. The state has claimed that Dileep is engaged in efforts to undermine the prosecution’s evidence and extend the trial indefinitely. 

In a sworn affidavit filed with the Supreme Court, the Kerala government has accused Dileep of trying to obstruct the proceedings. The affidavit, submitted in the context of a plea seeking to deny bail to the first accused, Pulsar Suni, highlights concerns about the trial being delayed by the actions of Dileep and his legal team.

The state has detailed that over the past seven months, Dileep’s defence team has extensively cross-examined key witnesses, including the investigation officer Baiju Paulose for 87 days, filmmaker Balachandra Kumar for 35 and a half days, cyber forensic expert Dr. Sunil S.P. for 21 days, and cyber forensic specialist Deepa A.S. for 13 days. The survivor was cross-examined for seven days.

Kerala has also highlighted that many of the accused frequently fail to appear in court, with their leave applications allegedly filed by Dileep's legal representatives. The state has expressed concerns that the trial could drag on for an additional month due to these delays.

The affidavit further asserts that if Pulsar Suni is granted bail, there is a risk that he might make public sensitive visual evidence, potentially threatening the survivor's privacy and undermining the trial. The state has warned that granting bail could lead to attempts to disrupt the trial process.

Kerala has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss Pulsar Suni's bail plea, arguing that it would violate previous court rulings and could further endanger the survivor. The Supreme Court is set to consider Suni's bail plea on Tuesday.