Calling the recent verdict of a local court which heard the case “deeply unsatisfactory”, a collective of writers, artists, activists and students gathered asserted that justice has not yet been served to the survivor.
Published Dec 11, 2025 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 11, 2025 | 9:13 AM
'Avalkoppam' at Manaveeyam Veedhi in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday
Synopsis: A collective of writers, artists, activists and students gathered in Thiruvananthapuram to reject the recent court verdict in the 2017 actress assault case, calling it “deeply unsatisfactory” and insisting that justice for the survivor remains incomplete. They alleged that the judgment ignored the wider conspiracy behind the crime and demanded accountability for all those involved, including the alleged mastermind, actor Dileep.
A single banner reading “Avalkoppam” (With her) hung on Manaveeyam Veedhi in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, 10 December.
Around it stood women and men of different ages holding placards with a single, unambiguous message: the justice system had failed the Malayalam actor who was abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving car in 2017.
The programme banner
Calling the recent verdict of a local court which heard the case “deeply unsatisfactory”, a collective of writers, artists, activists and students gathered asserted that justice has not yet been served to the survivor.
They alleged that the court failed to address the larger conspiracy behind the crime and demanded accountability for all those involved, including the alleged mastermind, actor Dileep.
The collective reiterated that their responsibility does not end with the judgment but extends to “evolving the conscience of society” against the injustice meted out to the survivor.
They pledged to stand united for the survivor, boycott the “conspirator” and continue the fight until justice is served.
Writer and activist R Parvathi Devi said the case should never be viewed as an isolated incident of assault but as a landmark moment that triggered a domino effect in the Malayalam film industry.
Symbolic torch lit during the event
“This case shook the foundations of Malayalam cinema. It heralded a change. That transformation happened only because she chose to fight. But after all that, did she get justice? No,” she said.
“Justice means bringing everyone responsible for this heinous act, including conspirators, before the law and ensuring punishment.”
Social activist Suja Susan George pointed out that despite documents and revelations indicating a larger conspiracy and naming actor Dileep as the alleged mastermind, the court allowed him to walk free.
“The society must raise its voice and ask why this happened. Why did such a verdict come despite what is in the public domain?” she asked, adding that similar programmes would be organised across Kerala and outside the state in the coming days.
Social activist Suja Susan George
Another participant questioned the idea that the verdict had exonerated the alleged conspirator in public conscience.
“Does anyone really believe that this judgment has absolved him? No. Those who believe in justice will continue to demand punishment,” the participant said, referring to the upcoming release of the actor’s new film. “A prominent actor is playing a guest role in it. Society will give its reply.”
Theatre artist Sudhi Devayani said the judgment came as a “shock and ignominy” for those who believe in democratic and constitutional values. “We must counter it. We must fight,” she said.
Director Vidhu Vincent echoed similar sentiments, stating that the general belief that the judicial system will protect survivors has been severely shaken.
“We speak of judicial activism, of institutions safeguarding us. Yet here we are, forced to come together once again to ask for justice,” she said.
Communist Party of India state secretary Binoy Viswam, who attended the event, said the survivor symbolises a larger collective struggle.
CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam
“She is not just a person. She is a thought. She is truth. She is a fighter,” he said. “She is me. She is you. She is all of you. She is society itself. And that is why everyone must stand with her,” he added.
A representative of the Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham said that boycotting the works of perpetrators is itself a form of cultural revolution.
“Art cannot be separated from accountability when it becomes a shield for injustice,” the representative said.
One of the most striking voices at the programme was that of Misriya, a Class 7 student from Government UPS, Nemom. She arrived at Manaveeyam Veedhi with her teacher, noticed the gathering by chance and chose to speak.
“I once watched Dileep’s movies. Today, even his name fills me with anger and sadness,” she said. “Because of people like him, powerful and influential, parents with daughters are wondering if this world is safe. My own father asked me that question.”
Misriya
Her words drew prolonged applause from the audience.
Journalist and author Geetha Nazeer recalled a similar programme held at the same venue in 2017 under the banner ‘Avalkkoppam’ (With her) following the survivor’s abduction and sexual assault in a moving vehicle in Kochi on 17 February that year.
“The presence and interventions of people like VS Achuthanandan and Sugathakumari then changed the public perception of the case,” she said.
Participants expressing solidarity
“The evidence exists. The conspiracy is yet to be proven. Only six were punished. Others, including Dileep, must and will be punished. On that day, we will gather here again and the survivor will be with us. We will celebrate justice together.”
As the gathering dispersed and Manaveeyam Veedhi returned to its usual rhythm, the message lingered. Justice in this case remains unfinished. Avalkkoppam was not a protest seeking attention but a reminder that public conscience cannot be closed with a judgment.
Until accountability matches truth, the collective made it clear, the streets will continue to speak and the promise to stand with her will not fade.
