Six people sentenced to 20 years in prison in Malayalam actress sexual assault case

Kerala Sessions Court has sentenced six people to 20 years in prison in a sexual assault case involving a popular Malayalam actress. The court also ordered a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh to the victim. During the verdict, references were made to the Supreme Court’s remarks in the Nirbhaya case. The Special Public Prosecutor said the punishment was lenient and plans to appeal in the Kerala High Court.

The actress, who has worked in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films, was kidnapped on February 17, 2017 and sexually assaulted in a car in Kochi. Initially, 10 people, including actor Dileep, were charged with kidnapping, sexual assault, gang rape and tampering with evidence.

Dileep was recently acquitted by the court and three others were given relief. The remaining six were found guilty of rape and conspiracy and sentenced to 20 years in prison.