Kozhikode/Kannur: The Congress expressed differing views on the court verdict in the actress assault case, with the KPCC president and the Opposition Leader issuing contrasting responses.

Opposition Leader V D Satheesan described the verdict as reassuring. He said the survivor had endured a tragedy that should never befall any woman, and expressed great relief that those responsible had been punished. The court found accused numbers one to six—those directly involved in the incident—guilty, while actor Dileep and others charged with conspiracy were acquitted. Asked about possible lapses by the prosecution, Satheesan said he would comment only after the full judgement is released.

He added that the verdict would help prevent similar incidents from recurring. Satheesan recalled the crucial intervention of P T Thomas, the then Thrikkakkara MLA, in ensuring the case progressed to this outcome. Thomas had been determined that none of the accused should escape accountability, Satheesan said.

He further remarked that women’s safety in Kerala still required stronger safeguards. The system must ensure that women who come forward with complaints receive adequate protection, he said, noting that the current mechanisms are insufficient. Satheesan was speaking to the media in Kozhikode.

Meanwhile, KPCC President and MLA Sunny Joseph said the verdict was not satisfactory. He stated that the prosecution had failed in arguing and proving the case. The inability to establish the conspiracy charge, he said, reflected failures both in the police investigation and in the prosecution’s presentation before the court.