Indian actor Dileep has been acquitted of charges of abduction and rape in the 2017 case involving a prominent Kerala actress.
The Ernakulam Sessions Court found six others guilty of rape, conspiracy, and abduction, concluding that the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Dileep was involved in the conspiracy.
The case, which drew national attention in 2017, involved the abduction and sexual assault of a well-known actress in a moving car. Police had arrested Dileep on allegations that he conspired and ordered the attack.
Reactions to the acquittal have been mixed. Supporters of the actor have welcomed the verdict, while several voices in the film industry have called it a grave miscarriage of justice for the survivor.
Kerala State Law Minister P Rajeeve told reporters that the government plans to appeal the verdict, reaffirming that they have always stood with the survivor.
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