Published Jan 30, 2026 | 4:51 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 30, 2026 | 4:51 PM
Pulsar Suni
Synopsis: In his appeal, Pulsar Suni has alleged major flaws in the investigation, including delays in registering the FIR, irregularities in arrest, the absence of a proper test identification parade, and defects in the collection and handling of biological and electronic evidence.
Pulsar Suni, the prime accused in the 2017 case related to the abduction and assault of a leading female Malayalam actor, has moved the Kerala High Court against the verdict of the Ernakulam Sessions Court that convicted him and sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
He was found guilty of criminal conspiracy, wrongful confinement, assault, abduction, gang rape and offences under the Information Technology Act.
The trial court also imposed a total fine of ₹5 lakh, to be paid to the survivor as compensation.
In his appeal, Pulsar Suni has alleged major flaws in the investigation, including delays in registering the FIR, irregularities in arrest, the absence of a proper test identification parade, and defects in the collection and handling of biological and electronic evidence.
He has also questioned the trial court’s reliance on identification evidence, call records, SIM card usage and digital material, arguing that these lacked reliability and adequate corroboration.
The appeal claims that contradictions in witness statements and gaps in the prosecution case were ignored, resulting in an unjust conviction.
He has also sought suspension of his sentence, stating that he has already spent nearly eight years in custody during the investigation, trial and after conviction, which exceeds one-third of the sentence imposed.
Earlier, the second, fifth and sixth accused in the case had also filed appeals before the high court challenging their convictions and sentences.
Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court Judge Honey M Varghese, on 8 December 2025, found six people guilty in the case.
The accused who were found guily are Sunil Kumar NS alias Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijeesh VP, Salim H alias Vadival Salim, and Pradeep.
The accused were charged under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), Section 109 (abetment), Section 366 (kidnapping or abduction of a woman), Section 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), Section 354B (use of criminal force with intent to disrobe), Section 357 (wrongful confinement), Section 376D (gang rape), Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), and Section 212 (harbouring an offender), read with Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).
