The high-profile 2017 sexual assault case involving a prominent multi-lingual actress in Kerala has entered a critical phase, as the prosecution has confirmed its intention to seek life imprisonment for the six men convicted by the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court. The quantum of sentence for the accused is scheduled to be heard on Friday, bringing the years-long legal proceedings into a decisive stage that has captured nationwide attention.

The case, which shook Kerala society, revolves around the abduction and sexual assault of a well-known actress on the night of February 17, 2017. According to the prosecution, several individuals forcibly entered the actress’s vehicle, held her under their control for nearly two hours, and committed acts of sexual violence. The assailants later fled the scene in a busy area of Kochi, leaving the public and law enforcement authorities in shock. The case drew widespread media coverage, intense public scrutiny, and highlighted issues of safety, gender-based violence, and the accountability of influential figures within the entertainment industry.

On December 8, 2025, Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese delivered a verdict that found six of the accused guilty of multiple serious offences. The convicted individuals are identified as Sunil alias Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh V P, Salim H, and Pradeep. They were convicted under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act, including criminal conspiracy, wrongful confinement, kidnapping or abduction of a woman, gang rape, abetment, and using criminal force with intent to outrage a woman’s modesty. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of the offences committed and represents a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victim.

Speaking to news agencies, Special Public Prosecutor V Aja Kumar outlined the prosecution’s strategy regarding sentencing. He confirmed that the prosecution will seek the maximum possible punishment for the six convicted individuals, arguing that life imprisonment is warranted given the severity and premeditated nature of the crimes. Kumar specifically cited the charges of rape, criminal conspiracy, and abetment as the primary offences for which life sentences are being requested. He emphasised that the prosecution had presented compelling evidence during the trial, which clearly demonstrated the orchestration and execution of the assault.

Kumar also addressed the acquittal of four other accused persons in the case, including prominent actor Dileep, as well as Charley Thomas, Sanil Kumar (alias Mesthri Sanil), and Sarath. While the acquittal of Dileep and the others has been met with public debate and speculation, Kumar stressed that the prosecution must first examine the detailed judgment to understand the court’s reasoning. “Only after receiving the judgment copy can we ascertain the reasons for Dileep’s acquittal,” Kumar said. He added that it would be inappropriate to characterize the acquittal as a prosecution failure until the official findings and rationale are fully reviewed.

In anticipation of the forthcoming judgment copy, preparations are already underway to challenge the acquittals in the Kerala High Court. Kumar revealed that he has personally begun work to file the appeal and emphasised that there would be no delay in pursuing legal remedies once the official documentation is in hand. “There will not be any delay once the judgment copy is received,” he stated, reflecting the prosecution’s commitment to exhaust all legal avenues to ensure accountability.

The trial and conviction of the six accused represents a culmination of years of meticulous investigation and court proceedings. Following the assault in 2017, law enforcement agencies launched an extensive probe that involved the collection of forensic evidence, statements from eyewitnesses, and detailed cross-examinations. The case was complex, involving multiple accused, including high-profile figures, which heightened the sensitivity and visibility of the legal proceedings. Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued that the assault was not a spontaneous act but a premeditated plan executed by the accused, underscoring the importance of delivering a strict legal response.

The assault itself, which occurred in Kochi, has left an indelible mark on Kerala’s social consciousness. The fact that the actress was held captive in her own vehicle for nearly two hours before the assailants fled created widespread outrage and a strong demand for justice. Advocacy groups, women’s rights organisations, and public figures have consistently highlighted the case as emblematic of broader societal challenges, including the vulnerability of women to targeted violence, the role of power dynamics in perpetuating crime, and the necessity of a robust legal system to protect victims’ rights.

The court’s decision to convict the six accused on multiple counts reflects the seriousness with which the judiciary approached the case. The legal provisions under which the convictions were secured carry stringent penalties, reflecting the gravity of the crimes committed. In particular, the charges of criminal conspiracy and abetment highlight that the attack was orchestrated and coordinated among multiple individuals, demonstrating the premeditated nature of the crime. Furthermore, the convictions under the IT Act suggest that digital evidence, communication records, or related technological elements played a role in establishing culpability, marking the intersection of traditional criminal law with modern investigative methods.

The scheduled sentencing hearing on Friday is expected to draw significant attention, not only because of the public interest in the case but also due to the broader implications for gender justice and accountability within Kerala and India as a whole. Life imprisonment, if awarded, would send a strong message regarding the seriousness with which the judicial system treats orchestrated sexual assaults against women, especially when carried out by groups of perpetrators. The outcome will also be closely monitored by advocacy groups, legal experts, and the general public, given the high-profile nature of the case and the involvement of individuals connected to the entertainment industry.

The acquittals of Dileep, Charley Thomas, Sanil Kumar, and Sarath remain a point of contention, and the prosecution’s appeal is likely to be a focal point of legal discourse in the coming months. The Kerala High Court’s review of the acquittals could provide further clarity on the standards of evidence, interpretation of the law, and judicial reasoning in cases involving multiple accused and high-profile defendants. Legal analysts anticipate that the appellate proceedings will be closely scrutinized, with broader implications for how sexual assault cases involving influential individuals are adjudicated in India.

This case has had a lasting impact on Kerala society and the Indian film industry, serving as a sobering reminder of the prevalence of sexual violence and the importance of prompt and thorough legal action. The courage of the victim in coming forward, coupled with the persistence of law enforcement and prosecution authorities, has ensured that the judicial system continues to uphold the principles of justice and accountability. The upcoming sentencing and appellate proceedings will determine not only the fate of the convicted and acquitted individuals but also contribute to shaping public trust in the legal process.

As the court prepares to hear arguments regarding the sentence, the eyes of the state and the nation remain focused on the proceedings. The sentencing will determine whether the six convicted individuals will face life imprisonment, which the prosecution asserts is justified given the severity, planning, and execution of the crimes committed. Meanwhile, the appellate process concerning the acquittals will unfold concurrently, ensuring that the judicial system addresses all dimensions of this complex and highly sensitive case.

In conclusion, the 2017 sexual assault case of the Kerala actress continues to dominate public attention due to the gravity of the crimes, the involvement of high-profile individuals, and the broader social and legal implications. With the prosecution seeking life sentences for the six convicted men and the appeal against the acquittals of four others underway, the case underscores the ongoing struggle for justice in instances of gender-based violence, the role of the judiciary in upholding accountability, and the enduring societal demand for protection of women’s rights. The forthcoming sentencing and appellate outcomes will serve as a benchmark for legal and social standards in Kerala and across India, reinforcing the principle that crimes of this nature must meet the full force of the law.