Kerala court orders return of Dileep’s passport following acquittal in 2017 assault case
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Kochi: A Kerala court on Thursday ordered the return of actor Dileep’s passport, days after he was acquitted in the high-profile 2017 actress assault case. The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court accepted the actor's plea, which sought the release of the document to facilitate overseas travel for film promotions.
Dileep’s counsel argued that following the acquittal, there was no legal basis for the court to retain the passport, which had been surrendered as part of his bail conditions during the trial. Although the prosecution opposed the release, citing the possibility of an appeal against the verdict, the court ruled that the bail bonds stood discharged upon acquittal. Consequently, it found no impediment to returning the passport. Previously, the actor had been granted temporary permission to travel abroad on multiple occasions, but the document always reverted to judicial custody.
While the actor secured relief, the case has sparked a fresh controversy involving the survivor. She has approached the police alleging a sustained and coordinated cyber attack following the trial court's verdict. A formal complaint has been lodged against abusive and defamatory content circulating on social media.
The complaint specifically names Martin, the second accused in the case who was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. He is accused of posting an objectionable video from prison or via intermediaries, in which he claims the case was fabricated and alleges a conspiracy against Dileep involving the survivor.
The survivor submitted 16 links to social media accounts that allegedly amplified this defamatory content. Acting on her complaint, the Ernakulam police have registered a case invoking non-bailable sections. Sources indicate that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, whom the survivor met personally to discuss the harassment, has directed the police to take swift and strong action against those involved in the cyber campaign.
(Inputs from IANS)
