Actress assault case: How social media reacted to the verdict?

The verdict day in the 2017 actress assault case was widely anticipated across the state and even the country. Social media was divided into two camps even before the judgment. After the verdict was delivered, discussions continued to revolve around two major narratives: 'the power of money' and 'justice finally served'. As with any major event, users engaged rigorously across various platforms.

Much of the conversation centred on whether the eighth accused, Dileep, would walk free or be found guilty. Before the verdict was pronounced on Monday, solidarity posts for both the survivor and the eighth accused appeared on Instagram. On Reddit, users discussed what the outcome might be if he were convicted, possible punishment scenarios, why some people dislike him, and the case's detailed timelines.

On Facebook, however, support leaned largely towards the actor. Posts appreciating the work of Adv Raman Pillai and his team, who represent Dileep, were widely shared, along with messages expressing love and support for the actor. Some posts also blamed or mocked the survivor and those standing with her.

Interestingly, some users adopted the hashtag #Ayalkkoppam, countering the well-known #avalkkoppam, which had previously been used to express solidarity with the actress.

Nadhirshah, director and a close friend of Dileep, posted a picture with the actor captioned “Thank God, Satyameva Jayate,” which drew mixed reactions, including comments such as “Power of Money” and “Good News.” Some users also shared images of offerings made at temples in Dileep’s name. One post that gained attention featured a photograph of Dileep with a caption, drawing parallels to the epic Ramayana: ‘Vanavaasam Kazhinju, Ini Pattabhishekam’ (Exile is over, now comes the coronation).

Some profiles questioned why the defence and those supporting the survivor could not accept the verdict, arguing that those who had committed the crime were found guilty, and that should have been the end of the matter. Others asked whether the aim had been only to punish Dileep.

Meanwhile, users on the opposite side raised allegations of money power and claimed that the judicial system had been compromised. Some even described the verdict as an erroneous judgment.

Some Instagram users welcomed the verdict, calling it Dileep’s comeback. Fans also used the moment to discuss his upcoming film 'Bha Bha Bha', posting comments such as “FDFS locked.” Dileep’s response at the court complex, immediately after the verdict, also attracted considerable views and likes on Instagram.

The online debate escalated to the point that Instagram content creator and advocate Navaneeth P, known for his legal explainers, posted a video urging people to refrain from creating content or making comments that could amount to criminal offences. The caption read: “I know there are people who will be very hurt as well as sad to see this judgment. I respect your emotions, but please don't do anything illegal. If you want to criticise the judgement made here in this case, please read the judgement and criticise it on its merit, but please don't do anything which amounts to criminal content or which undermines or scandalises the authority of the courts in India.”

Twitter also saw a wave of reactions, with celebrities and ordinary users condemning the verdict and supporting the survivor. Reposting the news of the Kerala government’s plan to appeal the sessions court verdict, singer Chinmayi Sripaada wrote, “This is where Kerala is the rockstar. Will always be....” along with the hashtag #avalkkoppam.