Kochi: The survivor in the 2017 actor assault case has petitioned the trial court to conduct the final arguments in open court. She stated that women who are victims of sexual assault often face false allegations and that she wants everyone to know the truth about what happened to her. The request was made as the case nears its conclusion, with witness examinations and other proceedings completed.

This petition and the contempt plea filed by the survivor against former DGP R Sreelekha will likely be considered by the court on Thursday. The final arguments in the case began at the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court on Wednesday, with the prosecution currently presenting its arguments. Following this, the defence will make its case. Both parties will be able to submit their final arguments before the verdict is announced, which is expected within a month.

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The survivor had previously filed a complaint accusing R Sreelekha of contempt of court for commenting on YouTube that actor Dileep, one of the accused, is innocent.

The case, which has been under trial since March 2018, revolves around the abduction and alleged molestation of a prominent female actor known for her work in Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada films. On the night of February 17, 2017, the survivor was forcibly confined in her car for two hours, during which the accused also filmed the assault to blackmail her.

The police have named 10 accused in the case, including Dileep, who was arrested for his alleged involvement with the gang. Dileep was detained for nearly six months before being released on bail. So far, seven of the accused have been arrested. Pulsar Suni, also known as Sunil NS, the prime accused in the case, was granted bail by the Supreme Court in September 2024. He had been in jail since 2017.

The survivor recently wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, urging action against those involved in tampering with the memory card containing visuals of the assault. She pointed out that, despite raising the issue with both the Supreme Court and Kerala High Court, no action has been taken, even though scientific analyses confirmed the device had been tampered with on three occasions.

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