Kochi: The final verdict in the high-profile actress assault case in Kerala will be delivered on December 8 by the judge of the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court, potentially bringing an end to a legal process that has stretched on for over seven years. The court had earlier raised certain questions with the prosecution. After receiving the responses, it has now completed the trial and scheduled the verdict for December 8.

Pulsar Suni, the first accused, and actor Dileep, the eighth accused, are among nine individuals facing trial in the case. The incident occurred in February 2017, when the actress was allegedly abducted and brutally assaulted inside a moving vehicle in Kochi. Both Dileep and Pulsar Suni, who were previously jailed in connection with the case, are currently out on bail.

Actor Dileep, who was not included as an accused initially, was arrested on July 10 based on evidence collected by investigators. After spending 85 days in custody, Dileep — the eighth accused — was granted bail on October 3, 2017.