UDF convenor Adoor Prakash triggered controversy on Tuesday after saying Malayalam actor Dileep, who was acquitted in the 2017 actress sexual assault case, “got justice”, before retracting the remark amid widespread criticism and issuing a clarification.

After voting in the local body polls at Adoor, Prakash told reporters, "while the opposition was with the survivor woman, everyone should get justice." He added that, in his view, Dileep had received justice.

He later said his personal view was that Dileep got justice when the court acquitted him. "Not just because in on the capacity he is artist, but also as someone who had direct association with him," he said. "The court itself granted justice to Dileep. Dileep has said the case was framed by several police officers under the leadership of a senior woman police officer. Such matters need to be scrutinized," Prakash added.

When asked whether arrests were used for political purposes, he said he felt the same after hearing different reactions following the verdict.

Replying to a question on the government filing an appeal, he said, "The government has no other work, right? It is a government that looks at every case to see how it can harass someone. It is ready to fabricate cases in any manner."

Following heavy criticism, Prakash appeared before the media at 11:30 am to issue a clarification.

"What i said was not fully broadcasted. I said that justice was not delivered to the survivor. It is difficult for me to criticise the court when a verdict comes from a judiciary of justice. Efforts must continue for justice for the survivor. The government is in a fix over the laxirty of the prosecution side. If the prosecution has lapses, it should be communicated. Congress and the UDF stand with the victim. I indicated that an appeal is a sham," Prakash said.

What is Congress’ official stand?

Amid the backlash, the Congress said Prakash’s earlier remark was his personal view and reiterated support for the survivor.

Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala and Uma Thomas said the prosecution should file an appeal, arguing it failed to establish the conspiracy behind the case.

Chennithala described the comment as a "personal view" and said both Congress and the UDF stand with the survivor. Uma Thomas said she had not read the judgment but felt dissatisfied with the verdict. Satheesan said the prosecution should appeal as it only partially proved the case and said he would respond in detail after reading the judgment.

Court verdict

The trial court acquitted Dileep and three others, including his close friend Sarath. Dileep, whose real name is P Gopalakrishnan, alleged a "real conspiracy" by police officials and sections of the media to implicate him.

Six others, including prime accused Pulsar Suni, were convicted. The court is expected to hear arguments on the quantum of sentence on December 12.

The assault on the multi-lingual actress, in which the perpetrators forced their way into her car and held her for two hours, had shocked Kerala society.