Malayalam film industry divided into two camps due to actor Dileep’s acquittal in the famous actress kidnapping and rape case.
The decision of actor Dileep’s acquittal in the actress kidnapping and rape case came like a storm in Kerala. Its waves first rose in the corridors of the courtroom of Ernakulam, then the entire Malayalam film industry came under its grip. The wound of this case was oozing for almost nine years. By afternoon the two streams of reactions came face to face. One camp justified the decision while the other felt cheated by the decision. For those who stood with actor Dilip from the beginning, the acquittal was a moment of victory. But for many female actors, activists and members of the Women in Cinema Collective, this decision was a loss of faith in the system. He said that justice once again slipped through the cracks. On social media, the words “Avalakkoppam” (we together) immediately started floating. This is a reminder that people’s sympathy for the victim has not diminished.
The Ernakulam sessions court convicted six people directly involved in the 2017 kidnapping and attack, but four people, including the alleged mastermind, Dileep, accused of masterminding the crime, were acquitted. The prosecution’s electronic evidence, once considered the mainstay of the conspiracy case, was discarded. The court concluded that the conspiracy was not proved.
Outside the courtroom, Dilip was seen in an aggressive posture. His expressions were challenging and his speech was accusing. He talked about “criminal police officers”, accused a woman officer of being vindictive and accused media houses of conspiring to ruin him. His ex-wife, actress Manju Warrier, had also given a statement to the same effect. He had said that there is a big conspiracy behind this crime. Dilip claimed that this very statement had activated the entire machinery against him, pointing towards a conspiracy.
He said in a stern but measured tone, “The police listened to the main accused and along with his jail colleagues, fabricated a false story. My life and my image were ruined for almost nine years. The real conspiracy was against me.
In 2017, the entire nation was shocked when the victim was attacked in a moving vehicle. That moment created a rift in Malayalam cinema, a rift that split into two camps.
After investigation, the police finally arrested Dilip. He was named as the eighth accused. He spent 83 days in jail and then returned to his career, which had come to a standstill after the incident. He was once suspended by the film organizations revolving around his stardom. AMMA or EMMA was then criticized a lot because many people felt that this organization was trying to save them.
After this verdict, Emma welcomed Dilip’s acquittal with a short message. The words were carefully chosen, but the meaning was clear. On the other hand, this decision was like a bitter sip for WCC. Parvati Thiruvot wrote on social media, “What kind of justice? Now we are watching a neatly written script unfold brutally.” Others just shared posters, in black letters on a light background, simply writing: Avalakoppam.
The government also responded immediately on this. Law Minister P. Rajeev said he had spoken to the Chief Minister and the government would appeal against the decision. He stressed that the investigation was conducted properly but the verdict was not satisfactory. “The government will stand with the victim,” he said.
The victim herself has remained silent till now, but her long struggle has also been seen during the trial. He approached the High Court and later the Supreme Court demanding change of judge. He alleged that he had to face a terrible atmosphere in the courtroom. Two government lawyers withdrew, citing concerns over the manner of the proceedings.
Six people convicted were sentenced to 20 years in prison. This decision has reopened the old fight and the heated debate about justice, misogyny and strong power has started again.
