Amid allegations that key details of the verdict in the 2017 actress abduction and sexual assault case were leaked even before the verdict was pronounced in open court, the prosecution and the probe team expressed confidence that all the accused, including actor Dileep, who was acquitted in the case, will be convicted in the higher courts when the appeals are considered.
The prosecution believes that the evidence against actor Dileep in the case is compelling and that the verdict could be reversed on appeal. The probe team says that they carried out the investigation with utmost sincerity, and they remain fully confident that the evidence placed before the court will lead to the conviction of the culprits when the appeals are heard.
The prosecution said an appeal will be filed on the grounds that the trial court failed to properly evaluate evidence that could prove the conspiracy charge against Dileep. Only when the trial court’s order is released will it become clear on what grounds Dileep was acquitted. The prosecution presented 19 pieces of evidence against Dileep in the trial court.
The four-page note found on Dileep’s brother’s mobile phone contains detailed information on the memory card. This is clear evidence that the memory card containing the footage reached Dileep’s possession.
The prosecution also presented evidence in the trial court to prove that Dileep had attempted to destroy evidence on his mobile phone and tried to influence witnesses and judicial officers.
The Ernakulam principal sessions court on Monday acquitted actor Dileep of all criminal charges levelled against him in the 2017 sensational Kerala actress sexual assault case.
Session judge Honey M Varghese on Monday acquitted Dileep (P Gopalakrishnan) of the offences charged against him, holding that the prosecution failed to prove the conspiracy charges levelled against him. The court, however, found six others, who directly committed the crime, guilty in the case. Those found guilty include Sunil NS, alias Pulsar Suni, 37, the prime accused in the case, Martin Antony, 33, a driver with a studio in Kochi; B Manikandan, 37, also a driver; Vijeesh V P, 38, an electrician; and Salim H, 30, and Pradeep, 31, both bus crew. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on Friday.