The acquittal of Malayalam actor Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan Pillai, popularly known as Dileep, in the 2017 sexual assault case has reopened old wounds and stirred deep emotions across the Malayalam film industry.
While the verdict brought relief to Dileep and his supporters, it also left many grappling with a sense of unfinished justice—among them, his former wife, actor Manju Warrier.
Soon after the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court cleared Dileep of all charges, he addressed the media, insisting that he had been framed and describing himself as the “real victim” of a conspiracy.
In doing so, he publicly accused Manju Warrier of being part of an alleged plot against him. His remarks added a personal and painful dimension to a case that has already spanned nearly nine years.
Manju Warrier responded not with anger, but with a quiet, deeply reflective statement shared on Instagram. Acknowledging her respect for the judiciary, she nonetheless voiced her heartbreak over what the verdict means for the survivor.
She wrote, “I have the utmost respect for the Honourable Court. But in this case, justice for the survivor is still incomplete. Only those who physically committed the crime have been punished. The mind that planned and enabled this heinous act, whoever that may be, still walks free, and that is terrifying. Justice will be complete only when everyone behind this crime is held accountable.”
Her words carried the weight of empathy rather than accusation. Manju Warrier went on to remind readers that the case is larger than any one individual, adding, “This is not just for one survivor. This is for every girl, every woman, every human being who deserves to walk with courage, head held high, without fear in their workplaces, on the streets, and in life. With her. Then, now, and always.”
The case itself dates back to February 17, 2017, when a female actor was abducted and sexually assaulted after being held captive in her car for nearly two hours.
Ten people stood trial. Dileep was arrested in July 2017, accused of financing and orchestrating the crime, allegations he has consistently denied. The prosecution also pointed to an alleged personal rift that emerged in 2016.
On November 25, the trial concluded, and Judge Honey M Varghese eventually convicted six accused, including prime accused Sunil, while acquitting Dileep and three others.
For many, including Manju Warrier, the verdict has closed a legal chapter—but left behind unanswered questions and a lingering sense of moral unease.
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