UDF Convenor Adoor Prakash clarifies remarks, reaffirms support for 2017 actress assault survivor

UDF convenor Adoor Prakash on Tuesday clarified his recent remarks on the high-profile 2017 actress sexual assault case, asserting that he has always stood with the survivor. He said media coverage had partially quoted him, giving a misleading impression.

Prakash acknowledged stating that actor Dileep, acquitted in the case, “got justice,” but emphasized that the rest of his comments, including his view that the survivor did not receive full justice, were not reported. He urged the government to take steps to ensure the survivor receives proper justice and criticized attempts to conceal shortcomings in the prosecution.

The clarification came after his earlier remarks drew sharp criticism. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the comment “weird,” questioning its timing and alignment with public sentiment. State Health Minister Veena George and CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam labeled it a reflection of the Congress and UDF’s “anti-women stance.”

The Congress distanced itself from Prakash’s statement, terming it his “personal view,” while reiterating its support for the survivor. Opposition leaders, including V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and Uma Thomas, emphasized the need for the prosecution to appeal the verdict, citing incomplete evidence on the alleged conspiracy behind the assault.

Prakash said, “While the opposition is with the survivor, everyone should get justice.” Chennithala echoed that the party and UDF stand with the victim-survivor, while Thomas added that the prosecution must pursue an appeal due to unproven conspiracy charges.

The trial court had acquitted Dileep, whose real name is P Gopalakrishnan, and three others, including his close associate Sarath. However, six others, including prime accused Sunil N S alias Pulsar Suni, were convicted. The court is scheduled to hear arguments on the quantum of sentence on December 12.

The 2017 assault, in which the actress’s car was forcibly held for two hours, had shocked Kerala society. Following the verdict, Dileep claimed that a “real conspiracy” by police officials and a section of the media had sought to implicate him and damage his career.