Kochi: Two individuals who played a pivotal support role during the investigation of the high-profile Kerala actress assault case will not be present for Monday’s verdict.

Congress leader and former MLA PT Thomas, was a crucial witness whose testimony significantly advanced the case. Despite facing pressure from multiple quarters to withdraw or weaken his statement, Thomas remained resolute, refusing to back down.

Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas, his wife, has stated that PT Thomas faced attempts to influence him during the actor assault case. Speaking on his steadfastness, she said he had told those who approached him that he would give “nothing more and nothing less, only the truth.” At the time, PT Thomas was serving as Thrikkakara MLA.

Uma Thomas, who later succeeded him in office after his death, remained unfazed by those trying to exert pressure. Her remarks come as the high-profile trial reaches its conclusion.

The second key figure is film director Balachandra Kumar, known for his close connections with actor Dileep and his family. Kumar’s revelations brought new allegations against Dileep in the case. He publicly stated that Dileep and accused Pulsar Suni shared a close relationship and that footage of the actress’s assault had been forwarded to Dileep through a VIP contact.

Following these disclosures, police investigations have continued, intensifying scrutiny of the case as the final verdict approaches.

After years of legal proceedings, the final verdict in the high-profile actress assault case is set for Monday, December 8. Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese will deliver the ruling, with court hearings scheduled to begin at 11 am.

Manju Warrier raised her voice against the conspiracy

Actress Manju Warrier was among the first to publicly highlight a conspiracy behind the attack on her colleague. The day after the incident, she spoke at a public meeting in Kochi held in support of the assaulted actress, an event where actor Dileep was also present.

Addressing the gathering, Manju said:

“What is happening behind this is a criminal conspiracy. Our role here is to provide the utmost support to bring those responsible to justice. Moreover, a woman has the right to reclaim the same respect she gives to a man, both inside and outside the home.”

Her statement was seen as a crucial early intervention in the case, drawing attention to the possibility of orchestrated attacks and underlying conspiracies.

Dileep’s message to CM

Actor Dileep reportedly sent a message to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan five days after the abduction and assault of the actress, claiming he was under extreme mental stress and had “done nothing wrong.” According to reports, similar messages were also sent to senior police officers.

Prosecutors argue Dileep reached out out of fear that the investigation would soon turn towards him.

Investigators state the alleged motive behind the crime was animosity stemming from the actress informing Dileep’s ex-wife, Manju Warrier, about his relationship with Kavya Madhavan. The prosecution maintains the chain of events began after Manju discovered Dileep’s chats with Kavya Madhavan.

However, Dileep counters that the police fabricated the narrative, claiming he never issued any “citation” or contract for the assault.

Actor Dileep is the eighth accused

The high-profile actress assault case in Kerala involves ten accused, with NS Sunil, also known as Pulsar Suni, named as the first accused. Actor Dileep is listed as the eighth accused in the case.

The verdict comes after eight years of legal proceedings, a trial that has drawn nationwide attention. During the proceedings, the defence submitted 221 documents, while 28 individuals reportedly turned themselves in as witnesses.

The accused faced multiple charges, including rape, criminal conspiracy, outraging the modesty of a woman, wrongful confinement, use of force, destruction of evidence, and taking and distributing obscene images.

List of accused

  1. Sunil N S (Pulsar Suni)
  2. Martin Antony
  3. B Manikandan
  4. V P Vijeesh
  5. H Salim (Vadival Salim)
  6. Pradeep
  7. Charlie Thomas
  8. Actor Dileep (P Gopalakrishnan)
  9. Sanilkumar (Mesthiri Sanil)
  10. G Sarath (15th in the original list)

The shocking incident

The assault took place in Athani, Ernakulam, on February 17, 2017, while the actress was travelling from Thrissur for a film shoot. According to police, a gang led by Pulsar Suni allegedly kidnapped the actress, physically assaulted her, and filmed obscene footage.

Key accused, including the primary perpetrators, were quickly apprehended. Actor Dileep was later arrested in July 2017 in connection with the investigation into the alleged conspiracy.

Case in a single glance

  • 261 witnesses
  • 438 days of witness examination
  • 833 documents presented by the prosecution
  • 142 material objects (evidence)

Timeline

2017 February 17 – Actress assaulted

2017 February 18 – Driver Martin Antony arrested

2017 February 19 – Vadival Salim and Pradeep arrested

2017 February 20 – Manikandan arrested

2017 February 23 – First accused Pulsar Suni arrested as he arrived in court to surrender

2017 June 28 – Actor Dileep questioned

2017 July 10 – Dileep arrested

2017 October 3 – High Court grants bail to Dileep

2018 March 8 – Trial begins

2019 November 29 – Supreme Court directs completion of trial within six months

2021 December 25 – Director Balachandra Kumar makes revelations

2022 January 4 – Further investigation allowed based on Kumar’s statements

2024 September 17 – Bail granted to Pulsar Suni

2024 December 11 – Final arguments begin

2025 April 9 – Defence completes arguments