Key Facts
The Kerala High Court on Friday sought a response from the state government on a plea by the survivor in the 2017 actor assault case. The petition demands a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged illegal access of a memory card containing visuals of the crime.
Court Proceedings
Justice C S Dias admitted the petition and issued notice to the state government, granting it one month to file a counter-affidavit. The court also directed the District and Sessions Court in Ernakulam to send the memory card and pendrive containing the visuals, along with earlier inquiry reports, in a sealed cover to the Registrar General of the Kerala High Court. The sealed cover will remain in safe custody until further orders.
The court noted that the petitioner, represented by senior advocate Vrinda Grover, had made out a prima facie case for an interim order. Earlier this week, two different judges of the High Court had recused themselves from hearing the matter.
Background of the Case
The survivor has sought a fresh probe by an SIT supervised by the High Court into the alleged leak of the memory card and pendrive contents. In 2022, she had approached the High Court alleging that the memory card had been accessed illegally. Subsequently, in 2023, the court directed the Principal District cum Sessions Court, Ernakulam, to conduct an inquiry into the allegation.
She alleged that unauthorised access occurred while the memory card was in the custody of the Magistrate and Sessions Court in Ernakulam before the trial began. Last year, the Principal District and Sessions Court, Ernakulam, acquitted actor Dileep in the case but convicted six persons who directly participated in the abduction and sexual assault.
Details of the Crime
The case relates to the abduction and sexual assault of an actress in a moving vehicle while she was travelling from Thrissur to Kochi on February 17, 2017.
What Readers Should Know
- The High Court has sought the state government's stand within one month.
- The memory card and pendrive will be kept in safe custody by the Registrar General.
- The survivor demands an SIT probe supervised by the High Court.
- Actor Dileep was acquitted, but six others were convicted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actor assault case in Kerala?
The case involves the abduction and sexual assault of an actress in a moving vehicle on February 17, 2017, while she was travelling from Thrissur to Kochi.
Who has been convicted in the case?
In 2023, the court convicted six persons who directly participated in the abduction and sexual assault, but acquitted actor Dileep.
What is the survivor seeking now?
The survivor has filed a plea seeking a fresh SIT probe supervised by the High Court into the alleged illegal access of the memory card containing visuals of the crime.
What did the High Court order?
Justice C S Dias admitted the petition, sought the government's response within one month, and directed that the memory card and pendrive be sent in a sealed cover to the Registrar General for safe custody.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com