‘Government stands with the survivor’: Minister Rajeev says govt to appeal against trial court verdict

Kochi: Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev announced on Monday that the state government will challenge the trial court’s verdict in the actress assault case.

He said that he had already discussed the matter with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and reaffirmed that the government continues to stand firmly with the survivor throughout the legal process.

The verdict was delivered eight years after the incident, which involved the assault of a prominent actress and the recording of assault visuals. The court found the charges against the first to sixth accused to be proven, with sentencing scheduled for 12 December. However, actor Dileep, the eighth accused, was acquitted. Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese ruled that the prosecution had not established the conspiracy charge against him.

Kerala Minister P Rajeev stated that the state government has decided to file an appeal against the trial court’s verdict in the high-profile actress assault case, which has been under legal scrutiny for eight years. According to Rajeev, he has spoken to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan about the next steps, and the administration remains committed to supporting the survivor.

The case relates to the 2017 abduction and assault of a well-known actress, during which visuals of the attack were allegedly recorded. On Monday, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court delivered its verdict. Judge Honey M Varghese found the charges proven against the first to sixth accused, with the sentencing order expected on 12 December.