In a significant development in one of Kerala’s most high-profile criminal cases, the Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court in Kochi on Friday sentenced six individuals to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for their role in the 2017 sexual assault of a prominent South Indian actress. The sentencing comes just days after the same court acquitted popular Malayalam actor Dileep, who had been accused of criminal conspiracy in connection with the assault.

The convicted individuals—Sunil NS, widely known as Pulsar Suni, along with Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh VP, Salim H, and Pradeep—were handed the sentence for gang rape under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code. They were also sentenced for several other offences, including abduction and criminal conspiracy. However, the court ruled that the sentences would run concurrently. Judge Honey M Varghese presided over the proceedings and delivered the final order late Friday afternoon.

The court also awarded a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the survivor, directing that the amount be paid by the convicts. Additionally, the judge instructed that the pen drive containing video evidence of the assault be preserved under the custody of the investigating officer to maintain the integrity of the case file.

This sentencing follows the December 8 verdict in which the court acquitted four individuals—among them actor Dileep—giving him the benefit of the doubt after a nearly six-year-long trial marked by intense public scrutiny. Despite longstanding allegations that the actor had orchestrated the crime, the court concluded that the prosecution had failed to establish the conspiracy charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Earlier in the day, the court had heard extensive submissions from the defence, prosecution, and the accused themselves regarding the quantum of punishment. According to court records, the session began at 11:30 a.m. and concluded at 12:50 p.m. During the hearing, several of the convicts—including Martin and Pradeep—broke down, claiming innocence and pleading for leniency on grounds of family responsibilities and health issues. Many argued that they were sole breadwinners and that the harsh sentence would severely impact their dependents.

The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor V. Aja Kumar, strongly countered these appeals for clemency. He pressed for the maximum possible punishment—life imprisonment—for all six convicts, citing the brutality of the assault and the lasting trauma inflicted on the victim. The prosecutor argued that anything less would undermine the gravity of the crime and undermine public faith in the justice system.

Throughout the deliberations, the court repeatedly highlighted the aggravated nature of the offence committed by the prime accused, Pulsar Suni. Judge Varghese made specific inquiries to the prosecution on whether identical sentences could be handed down to all six convicts under Section 376 of the IPC, which covers gang rape. The bench also sought inputs from the counsel representing the survivor, but she was not present in court during the session.

The horrific assault occurred on February 17, 2017, when the actress—known for her work across multiple South Indian film industries—was abducted while travelling in a car near Kochi. The accused forcibly entered the vehicle, restrained her, and held her captive for nearly two hours. During this period, Suni sexually assaulted her while the others allegedly assisted in the crime. The perpetrators also recorded the assault on a mobile device, with the video later recovered during the investigation.

The incident sent shockwaves across Kerala and the broader Indian film community, sparking widespread outrage and intense debate about misogyny, power dynamics in the entertainment industry, and the safety of women in public and private spaces. It also triggered a landmark mobilisation of women actors under the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), which played a key role in keeping public attention on the case.

Actor Dileep’s implication in the crime—based on allegations that he had sought revenge against the actress over personal and professional disputes—made the case even more explosive. His arrest in 2017 dominated headlines for months. However, the court’s recent judgment absolving him has reshaped public discourse and drawn mixed reactions from different sections of society.

At the end of Friday’s proceedings, Judge Varghese also issued a stern directive to lawyers and media organisations, urging them to refrain from making comments that could undermine judicial credibility or suggest impropriety in the judicial process. The directive comes in light of the widespread commentary and speculation that has surrounded the trial from its inception.

The sentencing marks a crucial milestone in the long-delayed search for justice in an incident that continues to reverberate across Kerala’s legal, cultural, and political landscape. While the acquittal of Dileep has left many questions unanswered, the conviction of the six accused brings a measure of closure for the survivor, who endured both a traumatic assault and a protracted legal battle.

The case stands as a stark reminder of the systemic challenges faced by victims of sexual violence in India—from fear and stigma to the exhausting process of navigating the justice system. Yet it also illustrates the importance of sustained public attention, robust investigation, and judicial resolve in ensuring accountability.

With the sentencing now complete, the focus is likely to turn to potential appeals from the convicts, as well as the survivor’s response to the court’s decision. For now, the judgment reinforces the principle that even in cases burdened by complexity, influence, and public pressure, justice can prevail through persistent legal effort and the courage of survivors.