UDF convenor Adoor Prakash
| Photo Credit: RK Nithin
Taking a stand seemingly at variance with the Congress leadership, United Democratic Front (UDF) convenor Adoor Prakash said that actor Dileep has “got justice” in the Kerala actor abduction and sexual assault case.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in the local body elections in Pathanamthitta district on Tuesday (December 9, 2025) morning, Mr. Prakash said he was “personally happy” as a close acquaintance of Dileep.
His stand is at variance with that of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph, who said the verdict was “unsatisfactory” as the prosecution had failed in proving the conspiracy charges in the case. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan had said the verdict was “a relief” and may serve as a deterrent against such incidents in the future.
“Even while saying that we are all with the survivor, we also have to say that everyone has to get justice. As far as Dileep is concerned, he has now got justice. Dileep himself has said that top police officers were involved in a conspiracy to frame him. I also felt the same,” Mr. Prakash said.
Slams govt decision to appeal
He also lashed out at the Kerala government for its decision to go on appeal against the verdict. “This government will of course go on appeal against the verdict because it has no other job. It is so intent on framing and targeting people,” he said.
When asked about Mr. Prakash’s support for Dileep, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said it was the UDF convenor’s personal opinion. “Right from the beginning, our stand has been that the survivor should get justice,” he said.
LDF response
Meanwhile, Health Minister Veena George said Mr. Prakash’s words “reflect his as well as his organisation’s misogynistic stand.”
Minister for Culture Saji Cherian sought to dispel Mr. Prakash’s claim that the government was targeting Dileep by deciding to appeal the latter’s acquittal in the case.
Mr. Cherian told reporters in Alappuzha that the impending appeal in the High Court was “not to exonerate or implicate” the four persons acquitted by the trial court in the case.
“The survivor got justice in the first phase of the case, which led to the conviction of the six persons accused of the crime. However, the court acquitted those charged with conspiracy in the case for want of evidence. Naturally, the State-side has to go on appeal. Let the higher courts decide on the matter”, he added.
Published – December 09, 2025 09:56 am IST
