Kochi: The Kerala government on Friday filed an appeal in the Kerala High Court challenging the acquittal of Malayalam cinema actor Dileep and three others in the high-profile 2017 sexual assault case involving a well-known actress.

In its appeal, the state is also seeking enhanced sentences for the six people already convicted, each of whom was sentenced to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment by the Principal Sessions Court.

Apart from Dileep, the trial court had acquitted Charley Thomas (A7), Sanil Kumar alias Mesthri Sanil (A9), and Sarath (A15), while convicting the first six accused — Sunil N S (Pulsar Suni), Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh V P, Salim H, and Pradeep.

The state’s appeal, expected to be heard next week, described the acquittals as “wholly illegal and unmerited,” warning that the verdict sent a wrong message to society. It argued that the trial court had failed to impose the maximum sentence and fine prescribed by law, particularly for the most serious charge of gang rape under Section 376D of the IPC.

“It is really shocking to see that for the offence of gang rape the minimum punishment of 20 years was awarded,” the appeal said, emphasising that the crime was premeditated, carried out for gain, and executed despite the victim’s protests.

The appeal also noted the cruelty of the assault, stating that the sexual assault was video recorded and transmitted. The state urged the High Court to not only overturn the acquittals of Dileep and the others but also to enhance the sentences of the six convicted in line with the severity of the crime, the trauma suffered by the victim, and the fear it instilled in society.

According to the prosecution, Dileep, identified as the eighth accused, had allegedly conspired with prime accused Pulsar Suni, instructing him to assault the victim and record her, motivated by personal enmity.

Originally, 15 people were accused in the case, with three later granted pardon and examined as witnesses, and two discharged by the High Court. The remaining 10 faced trial.

The incident, which occurred on 17 February 2017, involved the actress being forcibly held captive in a moving car for two hours. Pulsar Suni and his accomplices carried out the assault and recorded it, while Dileep was accused of conspiring in the crime. After nearly six years of trial, the court found him not guilty.