Kerala actor rape case: V.D. Satheesan says verdict a ‘relief’, calls for stronger systems to protect women

Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan has said the court verdict finding the accused directly involved in the actor rape and abduction case guilty is “a relief and may serve as a deterrent against such incidents in the future.”

Talking to mediapersons in the wake of the Principal Sessions Court verdict on Monday which acquitted actor Dileep, the eighth accused, Mr. Satheesan said the survivor had to face an ordeal that no woman should be put through. “That the guilty have been convicted is satisfactory,” he said.

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The prosecution will naturally go on appeal against the verdict. The court reaches conclusions based on evidence. If the verdict does not match the evidence, then the prosecution can opt for an appeal, Mr. Satheesan said, adding that whether the prosecution has failed in presenting its case can be determined only after receiving the detailed verdict. It is not proper to make a premature comment on that, he said.

“This verdict was made possible thanks to the strong stance adopted by the former Thrikkakara MLA, the late P. T. Thomas. If not for him, there would not have been a case in the first place. PT was determined to ensure that those guilty of attacking the actor did not go scot-free,” he said.

“Women’s safety has to be further strengthened in Kerala. Atrocities against women have increased with the worsening drug menace. Scientific systems should be introduced to enhance women’s safety. Women who raise complaints must be ensured justice. The existing mechanism is inadequate, and changes in keeping with the times should be introduced,” Mr. Satheesan said.