Singer Chinmayi Sripaada on Monday reiterated her support for the survivor in the 2017 actor assault case, issuing a series of posts on social media around the time the verdict was delivered. Earlier in the day, ahead of the trial court ruling, Chinmayi wrote on X: “Whichever way this verdict today – I stand with the survivor. Always. Girl, you are a hero, you have been and always will be. I hope all those who pretended to stand for you and changed their statements in court when it mattered, including the women – get what they deserve.”

After the Principal District and Sessions Court in Ernakulam acquitted actor Dileep, the eighth accused in the case, Chinmayi posted a brief follow-up message: “Wow. Just. Wow.” The remark was widely read as an expression of disbelief at the outcome of the trial. Chinmayi, who has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and equality, particularly since the #MeToo movement, has repeatedly spoken out about sexual violence and what she has described as systemic failures in addressing such cases.

The court on Monday acquitted Dileep and another accused, Charlie Thomas, citing failure of the prosecution to prove the charges against them. At the same time, six other accused, including the prime accused Sunil N S alias Pulsar Suni, were convicted of offences including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and gang rape. The court will pronounce sentences on December 12.

The case relates to an incident on February 17, 2017, when a prominent woman actor was abducted while travelling to a film shoot in Thrissur and sexually assaulted inside a moving vehicle. The assault was filmed by the perpetrators.

While the verdict has brought Dileep’s prosecution to a close for now, the legal battle will continue. The Kerala government has said it will file an appeal against the trial court verdict in the 2017 actor assault case.