Two convicts in the high-profile actress sexual assault case have approached the Kerala High Court challenging the conviction and sentences imposed on them by the Principal District and Sessions Court, Ernakulam, and have sought suspension of their sentences pending appeal.

The criminal appeals have been filed by Saleem H. alias Vadival Salim and Pradeep, who were arrayed as Accused Nos. 5 and 6 respectively in the case.

By its verdict, the Sessions Court had convicted them for offences under Sections 109, 120B, 342, 354, 354B, 366, 355, 357, 354B and 376D of the Indian Penal Code, along with Sections 66E and 67A of the Information Technology Act. Following the conviction, the trial court sentenced both the accused to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 20 years.

In the same judgment, the Sessions Court had acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep, who was arrayed as Accused No. 8, holding that the prosecution failed to establish the allegation of conspiracy against him beyond reasonable doubt.

In their appeals before the High Court, the appellants contend that the prosecution has failed to place any cogent or credible evidence linking them with the principal accused, Pulsar Suni (Accused No. 1), either in facilitating the commission of the offence or in participating in any alleged criminal conspiracy. It has been argued that the findings of guilt recorded by the Sessions Court are unsustainable in law and on facts.

The appeals have been filed through Advocates K.V. Sabu, M.G. Sreejith, Akhil K. Sabu, Nikhil K. Sabu, Arunraj S., Laya Theresa Antony, Hanna Rahman, Anjana A., Indu Menon M. and Anju P.S.

Case Numbers: Crl.A. No. 2334 of 2025 and Crl.A. No. 2337 of 2025
Case Titles: Pradeep v. State of Kerala and Saleem H. @ Vadival Salim v. State of Kerala