Dileep returns home after acquittal, embraced by Kavya Madhavan amid cheers

Actor Dileep was welcomed with hugs, cheers and celebratory scenes at his Aluva residence after a court acquitted him in the 2017 actress abduction and rape case, while six other accused were found guilty and sent to prison.

After being acquitted, Dileep returned to his house in Aluva, named ‘Padmasarovaram’. A large number of fans gathered outside the residence.

He was seen cutting a cake with supporters and sharing moments of celebration before entering the house.

As he crossed the gate, his wife Kavya Madhavan hugged him and welcomed him inside. Media visuals showed slogans raised in praise of Dileep amid the crowd of locals and fans.

Inside the compound, after the gates were closed, family members, friends and staff were seen shaking hands with him, hugging him, taking selfies, giving high-fives and clicking photographs.

Court verdict

The Ernakulam Sessions Court on Monday found six accused guilty in the 2017 actress abduction and rape case.

The convicted persons are Pulsar Suni, Marting Antony, B Manikandan, VP Vijeesh, H Saleem and C Pradeep. They were found guilty under Sections 120B, 340, 354, 366, 354B and 376D of the Indian Penal Code.

Following the pronouncement of the judgment, they were taken to Viyyur Central Prison in Thrissur.

Sunil NS, popularly known as Pulsar Suni, was identified as the first accused and was alleged to have orchestrated the abduction and assault.

Others who faced trial alongside him and Dileep included Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijeesh VP, Salim H alias Vadival Salim, Pradeep, Charly Thomas, Sanilkumar alias Mesthiri Sanil, and G Sarath.

Dileep acquitted of conspiracy charge

Earlier in the day, the court acquitted Dileep, stating that the allegation that he orchestrated the assault could not be proved. The court said it failed to establish the conspiracy charge against him.

The court will announce the quantum of punishment for the convicted accused on December 12.

Dileep’s statement after verdict

Speaking to reporters, Dileep said, "There was a conspiracy to defame me in society, to defame my career, my image and destroy my life."

He added, "Those who stood by me, my family and fans who stood by me and the lawyers who have stood by me over the past years I thank all of them."