Retired IPS officer Ms. B. Sandhya, who led the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that arrested Malayalam actor Dileep in the 2017 actress abduction and assault case, has spoken about the intense challenges she faced during the investigation.
The Challenge of Investigating a High-Profile Case
Ms. Sandhya revealed that taking up the case in 2017 was one of the most sensitive assignments of her career. Framing charges under Section 120B for criminal conspiracy in a case tied to the film industry presented unique obstacles. She stated that high-profile cases of this nature require exceptional perseverance and commitment.
Meticulous Investigation Techniques and Digital Evidence Handling
The SIT, under Ms. Sandhya’s leadership, pursued the investigation with utmost seriousness. This included:
- Interrogating individuals close to the accused
- Seizing critical footage
- Checking vehicle records
- Reviewing witness statements
- Building a solid chain of custody for evidence
She noted that even minor digital inconsistencies, such as changes to the hash value of a memory card, were closely scrutinized to maintain evidentiary integrity.
Maintaining Courtroom Integrity and In-Camera Proceedings
Ms. Sandhya emphasized the importance of preserving the sanctity of in-camera proceedings. The investigation had to withstand immense media scrutiny and public pressure, and all courtroom processes were carefully protected from leaks.
Impact on Malayalam Film Industry and Public Perception
While the conviction of Dileep did not materialize, Ms. Sandhya highlighted that the investigation contributed to cleaning up the Malayalam film industry and enforcing accountability. She explained that the case set a benchmark for rigorous, law-driven inquiry in high-profile incidents.
Details of the 2017 Actress Abduction Case
The case involved the abduction and alleged assault of an actress working across Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films on the night of February 17, 2017. The principal accused, NS Sunil, known as ‘Pulsur Suni’, was alleged to have orchestrated the attack. Other accused included:
- Martin Antony
- B. Manikandan
- VP Vijeesh
- H. Salim (alias Vadiwal Salim)
- Pradeep
- Charly Thomas
- Sanilkumar (alias Mesthri Sanil)
- G. Sarath
Charges invoked spanned multiple IPC sections, including criminal conspiracy (120A, 120B), abetment (109), kidnapping (366), gang rape (376D), criminal intimidation (506(i)), destruction of evidence (201), and more.
Complexity and Scale of the Trial
The trial began on March 8, 2018, and was lengthy and complex. A total of 261 witnesses were examined, many in-camera, with 28 witnesses turning hostile. The prosecution submitted 833 documents and 142 material objects, while the defense produced 221 documents. Witness examination alone spanned 438 days. Two special prosecutors stepped down during the process, and a request to replace the presiding judge was denied.
Ms. Sandhya reflected that while securing a conviction under Section 120B is inherently challenging, the pursuit of justice and rigorous investigation remained the core mission. She remarked that her 35 years of service were defined by commitment, discipline, and adherence to the rule of law.
