# Justice After 8 Years: Kerala Court Sentences 6 Men to 20 Years in Actress Assault Case **In a landmark verdict that closes an 8-year chapter of trauma**, a Kochi court sentenced six men to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the brutal 2017 sexual assault on Malayalam actress Bhavana.[1][2][3] The shocking incident unfolded on February 17, 2017, when the accused—Sunil N S (aka Pulsar Suni), Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh VP, Salim H, and Pradeep—forced their way into the actress's car, confined her for two hours, and committed gang rape, capturing the assault on video.[1][2] Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court Judge Honey M Varghese convicted them under IPC sections including 376(D) for gang rape, 120(B) for criminal conspiracy, 342 for wrongful confinement, and others related to outraging a woman's modesty.[1] Each was also fined Rs 50,000, with the court ordering Rs 5 lakh compensation for the victim and custody of the incriminating pen drive by the investigation officer.[1][2] This ruling came days after the court acquitted four others, including actor Dileep, on December 8, finding insufficient proof of his involvement in the conspiracy.[1][2] Despite the prosecution pushing for life imprisonment—the maximum for gang rape—the judge opted for 20 years, considering factors like the accused's age, family situations, and lack of "special circumstances" warranting harsher penalties.[1][2] During sentencing, emotional pleas emerged: Pulsar Suni cited his elderly mother, while another convict highlighted his young children, but the court prioritized the gravity of the crime, noting Suni's role as particularly grievous.[1][2] Bhavana's courage stands out as a beacon for survivors. Unlike many who remain silent due to shame, she broke the pattern by speaking out, enduring an grueling trial, and paving the way for this justice.[3] The case has ignited fierce debate on **equal punishment**—should all convicts, especially the kingpin, face identical maximum sentences regardless of personal pleas? Kerala government plans to appeal for stricter terms.[2]
Citations
1.https://www.rediff.com/news/report/six-get-20-yr-jail-in-kerala-actress-sexual-assault-case/20251212.htm
2.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWVrs3Ee24c
3.https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/kerala-actress-assault-case-verdict-bhavana-didnt-just-survive-she-broke-the-pattern-of-remaining-silent-and-shamed-1.500378041
4.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHybOxmJF18
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