Singer and activist Chinmayi Sripada welcomed the Kerala government’s decision to move an appeal against the acquittal of actor Dileep in the actress assault case on Monday.

“This is where Kerala is the rockstar. Will always be. Instead of platforming rapists and dancing with them or letting them out on bail to celebrate birthdays. #avalkoppam,” Chinmayi wrote on X.

Also Read: As fans hail Dileep’s acquittal, Rima Kallingal posts message of solidarity with actress

When some users questioned her remark and accused her of branding someone a “rapist” without a conviction, she responded, saying, “I am talking about convicted rapists like Ram Rahim and Asaram Bapu. That’s the true pride of our country. Even if convicted you can chill and partaaaaay.”

Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese on Monday acquitted actor Dileep, the eighth accused, after an eight-year-long trial. The court ruled that the conspiracy charges against him could not be proved.

Also Read: Dileep was targeted, his family suffered immensely, but film industry stands with the survivor: Suresh Kumar

Also Read: ‘Thanks to God’: Dileep’s first reaction after acquittal in actress assault case

However, the court found accused numbers 1 to 6 guilty and will pronounce their sentences on December 12.

The first accused, NS Sunil, known as Pulsar Suni, was alleged to have led the abduction and assault. Other accused found guilty include Martin Antony, B. Manikandan, V. P. Vijeesh, H. Salim alias Vadiwal Salim, and Pradeep. Additional accused in the case include Charly Thomas (7th), Sanilkumar alias Mesthri Sanil (9th), and G. Sarath (15th).

The case involves a prominent actress from Malayalam, who was allegedly abducted and molested inside her moving car on the night of February 17, 2017, by a gang that forcibly entered the vehicle.