Kochi, Dec 12 (LatestNewsX) – The high‑profile assault case involving a 2017 actress concluded on Friday when the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court handed down a 20‑year, rigorous‑imprisonment sentence to all six defendants. The judge confirmed that the prosecution successfully proved charges of kidnapping with intent to rape (IPC 366), criminal conspiracy (IPC 120B), and gang rape (IPC 376D).
The verdict was delivered at 4:45 p.m., and each accused was required to pay a Rs 50,000 fine. For those held as under‑trial prisoners, the court stated that the time already served would be deducted from the 20‑year term.
Earlier that day, Judge Honey M. Varghese ruled that the offence was committed with a clear intent to breach the survivor’s dignity, and that the conspiracy made every participant equally culpable. The court said the real culprit was “Pulsar Suni.” “The others were just part of the crime,” the judge added, noting the assault showed a total disregard for the victim’s helplessness.
Hours before the sentencing, the courtroom heard the defendants pleading for mercy. They were brought before the bench at about 11:30 a.m. and pleaded hardship, family obligations and allegations of innocence in a bid to mitigate the punishment.
The first accused, “Pulsar Suni,” who is seen as the mastermind, told the court that he alone cared for his mother. He spoke in a flat tone. The second defendant, Martin, repeatedly broke into tears, insisting he had committed no crime. “I have been in jail for a mistake I never made. Please give me a lighter sentence,” he pleaded, reminding the judge that he was the first to be arrested.
The third accused, Manikandan, sought compassion, arguing he had not knowingly done anything wrong and that he had a wife, a daughter and a son depending on him. Fourth, Vijeesh, requested a reduced sentence citing his family background and asked to be lodged in Kannur jail, citing his Thalassery roots. The fifth, Vadival Salim, claimed innocence and said he had a wife and a three‑year‑old daughter. The sixth, Pradeep, spoke in tears and also sought mercy.
After hearing the defendants, Judge Varghese emphasized that punishment must match each person’s involvement, but once a conspiracy is found, responsibility is shared.
The proceedings began with the judge issuing a stern warning to the media against any conduct that could undermine the court’s dignity. The sentencing today applies to the six convicted earlier this year. Actor Dileep, the eighth accused, was released along with three others. He approached the bench on Friday to request the return of his passport, which has been held since his 2017 arrest and the nearly three‑month detention.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
