Kochi: In his first reaction following his acquittal in the 2017 actress assault case, actor Dileep levelled a sharp allegation against his former wife and actor Manju Warrier. Dileep claimed that Manju was among the first to publicly suggest that a criminal conspiracy existed behind the attack, and alleged that the conspiracy against him began from that very point.

Speaking to reporters after leaving the court premises, Dileep said the real conspiracy was directed against him.

“When Manju said there was a criminal conspiracy behind the attack and that it should be investigated, that is where the conspiracy against me began. A senior official at the time, along with a selected group of criminal police officers, orchestrated these actions. To build this narrative, the police allegedly colluded with the prime accused and other inmates in jail to fabricate a false story,” Dileep claimed.

Manju Warrier had first spoken of a conspiracy the day after the incident, during a public gathering in Kochi organised in solidarity with the survivor. Dileep too had been present on the same stage at the time.

Extracts from Manju Warrier’s speech at the 2017 public meeting

“There are drivers who have brought many of us, including myself, safely home on countless late nights and odd hours. It is unfair to blame every colleague. But there has been a criminal conspiracy behind this incident. What we can do here is extend full support to ensure that those behind this conspiracy are brought before the law.

A woman deserves the same respect inside and outside her home that she offers to a man. That is the only message I wish to convey here. I request all of you to wish our society well. Thank you,” she said.

Manju reiterated her view even after the arrest of the first accused, Pulsar Suni. Speaking to Mathrubhumi News on 23 February 2017, shortly after Suni was taken into custody, she said:

“Catching the prime accused is indeed a major step. I wish to congratulate and salute the Kerala Police for this. No one believes this was a random incident. It was clearly a well-planned crime — that is how all of us understood it. I have full faith that a detailed investigation will reveal the entire truth. Like you, I too am waiting with hope.”