The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court delivered a significant verdict on Monday, December 8, 2025, in the 2017 Kerala actress assault and abduction case. While the court convicted the six-member gang, including the main accused Pulsar Suni, for crimes including gang rape and kidnapping, it acquitted actor Dileep, who was the eighth accused and charged as the alleged mastermind of the conspiracy.
In the wake of this high-profile judicial outcome, the survivor, prominent actress Bhavana Menon, took to social media, sharing a powerful message that quickly went viral. Without directly naming the accused or the court decision, the actress posted a note focused on resilience and inner peace, featuring the lines: "My happiness is precious, I believe in karma..." The post, reflecting a stance of personal strength and a philosophical belief in justice outside the courtroom, resonated deeply with her supporters.
A Stand for Resilience and Faith in Justice
Bhavana's message has been widely interpreted as a reaffirmation of her commitment to overcoming the trauma and legal battle of the past eight years, regardless of the court's finding on the conspiracy charge against Dileep. Her choice of words, particularly the emphasis on 'karma,' suggests an enduring belief that ultimate accountability will prevail, even if the judicial process did not yield the outcome she and the prosecution sought in relation to the alleged conspiracy.
The actress has been a vocal advocate for survivors, breaking conventions in 2022 by publicly revealing her identity and speaking about her fight for justice, which inspired many. Her recent post drew an immediate and massive wave of support from the film fraternity and the public alike, many of whom used the hashtag #Avalkoppam (We Are With Her) to stand in solidarity.
Industry Reactions and the Legal Aftermath
The verdict has sharply divided public and industry opinion. While actor Dileep, upon his acquittal, thanked the Almighty and accused his ex-wife and a team of police officials of a "criminal conspiracy" to frame him, other sections of the industry expressed deep disappointment. Organizations like the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) issued strong statements reaffirming their solidarity with the survivor, stressing that her fight over the last 3,215 days was one for every survivor.
Meanwhile, the legal battle is not over. The Kerala government has announced its decision to appeal the trial court's verdict that acquitted Dileep in the High Court. While the acquittal clears Dileep of the conspiracy charges, the conviction of the six assailants proves the survivor's ordeal, and sentencing for the convicted is scheduled for December 12.
The case, which exposed deep-seated issues of gender, power, and accountability in the Malayalam film industry, continues to fuel critical conversations, underscoring the courage of the survivor in her persistent fight for justice.
