Heartbreak and closure: After Dileep’s acquittal, all eyes turn to Manju Warrier’s next move

Dileep said a deliberate plan was crafted by certain police officials and a section of the media to implicate him in the 2017 sexual assault case. He claimed the intention was to destroy his career, reputation, and life. After his acquittal, he stated that the “fabricated narrative” created against him collapsed in court. (Picture credit: Instagram)

Without naming individuals, Dileep alleged that a senior female officer and a group of “criminal-minded” personnel handpicked by her worked to falsely frame him. He claimed these officers collaborated with the prime accused and a co-inmate to create a misleading story that was pushed through social media and media outlets.

Dileep criticised his former wife Manju Warrier, alleging the “conspiracy narrative” began with her call for an investigation into possible planning behind the assault. He implied that her statement triggered the chain of events that eventually led to him being named as an accused in the case.

The case originated from the abduction and assault of a multilingual actress on 17 February 2017. She was forcibly taken into a car and held captive for nearly two hours in a busy locality. The incident created massive outrage in Kerala, prompting swift police action and a wider debate on women’s safety in the film industry.

The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court, under Judge Honey M. Varghese, acquitted Dileep and three others after a long trial. Six accused, including prime accused Pulsar Suni, were found guilty. The verdict brought an end to a high-profile case that had dominated Kerala’s public and film industry discourse since 2017

The trial spanned years, involving testimonies, digital evidence and allegations of tampering, conspiracy and intimidation. With Monday’s verdict, the court concluded one of Kerala’s most closely followed criminal cases. Dileep thanked his fans, lawyers and family, saying the ruling restored his dignity.

Police arrested several accused soon after the incident and filed the first charge sheet in April 2017. Dileep was arrested later, on 10 July 2017, after investigators claimed Pulsar Suni had sent him a letter from prison. Ten individuals, including the actor, ultimately stood trial under various charges.