`By Sagarika Rastogi
The name Dileep echoed across Kerala’s film industry and households long before 2017 – as a versatile actor capable of both drama and comedy and as one of Mollywood’s biggest names. He has a vast body of work with over 150 movies to his credit, and many noteworthy awards including Kerala State Film award and Filmfare Awards South.
However, on 17 February, 2017, his life and legacy were tainted – a stain that would never quite fade away. Bhavana Menon, a fellow actress was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in a moving car in Kochi while she was en route to a work engagement, an attack that was allegedly conspired by Dileep.
The actress was held captive in her own vehicle by 6 men and assaulted by Pulsar Suni, a history sheeter, while travelling back from her home in Thrissur. Furthermore, she was recorded while the assault took place. After approximately two hours, she was dropped near the home of a movie director who helped her file a police complaint.
Pulsar Suni who was the prime accused surrendered to the police days after the investigation began. Several other accused were also arrested shortly after. Shockingly, Suni was working for someone else, acting on a contract. Investigators soon found out that the attack was not an isolated incident, rather a systemic strike to intimidate and humiliate the survivor.
During the initial investigation, a close associate of the actress had told the police that the only person in the industry who could undertake such a heinous crime would be prominent actor, Dileep. He had sabotaged her roles and career in the past multiple times. But sadly, a verbal statement wasn’t concrete enough to make an arrest.
What gave fire to this speculation was when a letter written to Dileep by Pulsar Suni was leaked where the latter was asking for his payment.
The police finally zeroed in on the motive.
In 2012, while Dileep was married to actor Manju Warrier, he had also formed an extra marital affair with another popular actor, Kavya Madhavan.
Though Manju suspected the affair she couldn’t get anyone to confirm it until she reached out to the survivor who was a close aide to both Dileep and Kavya.
This betrayal allegedly angered Dileep.
He divorced Manju in 2015, and married Kavya in 2016.
According to the police, Dileep had constructed his plan so as to be right before her engagement. Consequently, Dileep was arrested on 10 July, 2017. He was charged for criminal conspiracy, abduction and gang rape, along with various other grave offences under the Information Technology Act.
However, on 8 December, 2025, Dileep was acquitted by the Kerala court which held that the prosecution had not proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
The actor told the media that he was “the real victim”.
Nevertheless, Kerala Law Minister, P Rajeeve denied his claim and said that the government has decided to challenge the verdict to give “complete justice” to the victim.
The prosecution has been instructed to take the initial steps in order for this.