Kerala court refuses to cancel actor Dileep’s bail

KOCHI: A trial court in Kerala on Thursday refused to revoke the bail granted to Malayalam movie actor Dileep in the 2017 actor assault case. Citing atempts to influence the witnesses in the case, the prosecution had approached the court seeking cancellation of Dileep’s bail.

The prosecution argued that Dileep tried to influence the witnesses, including those in film industry. But the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court dismissed all these arguments and rejected the petition observing that the prosecution did not produce any evidence to prove their arguments against Dileep.

Kerala High Court had granted bail to Dileep in the sensational actor atack case with strict conditions. While granting bail, the court had specifically restricted him from influencing the witnesses. The prosecution argued that Dileep violated the conditions.

As the trial court rejected the plea, the prosecution can approach the High Court to cancel the bail granted to Dileep.

Dileep, who was arrested in July 2017, spent 85 days in jail before being released on bail.

The case pertains to the abduction and sexual assault on a South Indian leading actor in a moving car in Kochi on February 17, 2017.

Dileep who is the 8th accused in the case, has been charged with conspiracy.

The trial began in January 2020 and 82 witnesses have been examined so far.

Around 230 witnesses remain to be examined, but the procedure had been delayed due to various reasons such as the frequent pleas filed by the defendant, COVID-19 lockdown and the resignation of the first prosecutor.

Though the High Court and the Supreme Court had set deadlines for completing the trial, the trial court had the dates revised twice.

The trial court has again approached the Supreme Court, seeking more time to complete the trial in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ten accused, including actor Dileep and Pulsar Suni, are facing trial in the case. One of them, 10th accused Vishnu, has submited a plea in the court, seeking permission to give a confessional statement and turn approver.