The verdict, long-awaited by Kerala’s film fraternity and the public, is now set to bring a decisive moment in one of the state’s most high-profile criminal cases.
Published Nov 25, 2025 | 1:37 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 25, 2025 | 1:37 PM
Pulsar Suni.
Synopsis: The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court will pronounce the much-awaited verdict in the 2017 case of abduction and assault of a female Malayalam actor on 8 December. The incident dates back to 17 February 2017, when the actor was assaulted inside a moving vehicle.
The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court, where the case has been under consideration, announced the date after completing the final procedures. The trial — stretching over seven years, with extensive witness examinations, cross-examinations, and arguments — concluded earlier this year.
The court had recently sought clarifications from the prosecution, and after receiving the responses, the case was formally adjourned for judgement.
The incident dates back to 17 February 2017, when the actor was assaulted inside a moving vehicle while travelling from Thrissur to Kochi. Pulsar Suni alias Sunil Kumar, the prime accused, was arrested soon after the incident.
Actor Dileep, who was not named in the initial phase of the investigation, was arrested on 10 July 2017, based on what the police described as fresh evidence. After 85 days in custody, he was granted bail on 3 October 2017.
In total, nine people have been arraigned in the case, with two later dropped from the list and one turning approver.
Pulsar Suni, who spent more than seven years in custody, secured bail in September 2024 under stringent conditions. The court’s decision comes nearly eight years after the crime and months after the completion of final hearings in April 2025.
Special Public Prosecutor Ajakumar and senior police officers appeared before the court during its recent consideration on 20 November.
Meanwhile, Dileep had moved the Kerala High Court seeking a CBI probe, alleging a conspiracy behind his implication and accusing the investigation team of creating public sentiment against him through a “media trial.”
A division bench comprising Justices A Muhamed Mustaque and P Krishnakumar dismissed the plea, noting that the trial was in its final stage.
Dileep had also sought court intervention to prevent media coverage during the proceedings of the secret trial and demanded action against outlets violating the court’s confidentiality directions.
The verdict, long-awaited by Kerala’s film fraternity and the public, is now set to bring a decisive moment in one of the state’s most high-profile criminal cases.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
