Kerala actress abduction case: Pulsar Suni, five others sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment

Ernakulam: In a landmark verdict, six accused—including Pulsar Suni (N.S. Sunil), Martin Antony, B. Manikandan, V.P. Vijayesh, H. Saleem (Vadival Saleem), and Pradeep—have been sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment for abducting, sexually assaulting, and recording a Malayalam actress.

Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge Hani M. Varghese delivered the sentence on Monday, marking the first case in India where accomplices facilitating sexual assault faced such conviction.

Each convict has also been fined Rs 50,000. The charges included criminal intimidation, unlawful detention, forcibly stripping a woman, assault with intent to outrage her modesty, gang rape, evidence destruction, abduction, incitement, public-purpose crimes, and reproduction or dissemination of private images under the IT Act.

The incident occurred on February 17, 2017, near Angamaly Athani, when the actress was forcibly stopped, abducted, physically assaulted, and obscene photographs were taken. Pulsar Suni, the first accused, played a key role in orchestrating the attack. The court ruled that the remaining accomplices also contributed to facilitating the crime.

The court acquitted several other accused, including actor Dileep, Charlie Thomas, Sanil Kumar (Measthiri Sanil), and G. Sharath, due to lack of evidence. The investigation was led by officer Biju Paulose, with V. Ajkumar serving as the special public prosecutor.

This case has drawn national attention for its severity and the use of technology to exploit the victim. Legal experts hailed the verdict as a strong message against sexual violence and the abuse of digital media for criminal purposes.

The ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting women and ensuring that accomplices who facilitate crimes are held accountable. It also highlights the importance of prompt and meticulous investigation in cases involving digital evidence and sexual assault.

The six convicts will serve 20 years in rigorous imprisonment, with the sentence reflecting the gravity of crimes against women and the broader social impact of such offenses. The fine imposed serves as an additional penalty for the serious nature of the crimes committed.

This verdict sets a precedent in India, establishing legal accountability for facilitators of sexual crimes and reinforcing the protection of women in society.

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