Dileep’s acquittal in Kerala actor rape case echoes in poll-day chatter

The acquittal of actor Dileep in the 2017 Kerala actor rape case appeared to percolate into poll day conversations in the State on Tuesday (December 9, 2025)

United Democratic Front (UDF) convenor Adoor Prakash appeared to have reignited the debate centring on the trial court’s decision to acquit Dileep of conspiracy charges, alleging that the Kerala government was seeking to “further victimise” the actor by deciding to appeal the verdict in the High Court. 

The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) seized on the statement and sought to weaponise it against the UDF as polling for the first phase of the local body polls picked up pace across seven southern districts in Kerala. 

Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretary Binoy Viswam said Mr Prakash’s words indicated “the home truth that the Congress has persistently sided with sexual predators.”

“The UDF is not with the oppressed women but with predators. Voters will give a fitting reply to the Opposition’s inherently misogynistic stance. The Congress continued to shield Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing multiple charges of rape”, he said.

Mr Viswam claimed that, in stark contrast, the LDF is at the forefront of the survivors’ fight for justice. “The Left will not bow to the arrogance and financial heft of sexual predators”, he added. 

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] general secretary M. A. Baby stated that the LDF would leave no stone unturned to protect survivors and ensure justice. 

V. Sivankutty, General Education Minister and CPI(M) State Committee member, said Mr Prakash’s statement reflected the Congress’ mindset. “Let voters sit in judgement on Mr Prakash’s statement”, he added. 

Law Minister P. Rajeeve said the LDF’s “pro-women position was a policy set in stone”, and not an individual or case-specific one. He said it was reductive of the Congress to term the government’s decision to appeal the trial court verdict in the 2017 actor rape case in the High Court a witch-hunt.

Mr Rajeeve said the case had far-reaching consequences in society and accused the Congress of being brazenly dismissive of its legal and societal implications. “For one, it paved the way for the Hema Committee, which examined accusations of sexual harassment and exploitation in the film industry. It led to the mandatory constitution of internal complaints committees in the film and entertainment industry. The case emboldened survivors to speak out and seek justice”, he added. 

Mr Rajeeve said the trial court had convicted those directly involved in the crime. The special investigation team (SIT), which probed the case, contended that the crime was the end product of an entrenched conspiracy.

However, the court found the SIT’s evidence wanting. “It’s obligatory for the State side to go on appeal. Moreover, the survivor also desires such a legal move”, he added. 

Congress leader K. Muraleedharan said the survivor had the right to appeal the trial court’s verdict if she felt aggrieved. “There is no verdict that satisfies all parties. It’s the State’s prerogative to go on appeal. It is not advisable to mix politics into the debate”, he added. 

Earlier, senior Congress leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had dismissed Mr Prakash’s statement as a “personal opinion”.