1 min readKochiFeb 27, 2026 07:22 PM IST2017 Kerala actress assault case: State government challenges Dileep's acquittal.The Kerala government on Friday moved an appeal in the Kerala High Court challenging the acquittal of Malayalam actor Dileep and others in the sensational 2017 actress sexual assault case.In its appeal, the state is also seeking enhancement of the punishment awarded to the six people sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in the case.Apart from Dileep, the eighth accused in the case, the trial court had also acquitted three others — Charley Thomas (A7), Sanil Kumar alias Mesthri Sanil (A9) and Sarath (A15).ALSO READ | ‘Mohanlal and Mammootty are puppets in master manipulator Dileep’s hands,’ Malayalam director Vinayan once allegedThe trial court had convicted the first six accused in the case — Sunil also known as Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh V P, Salim H, and Pradeep.The appeal is likely to come up for hearing next week, a state government lawyer said.Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Dileep