In a fresh twist to the long-running 2017 actor attack case, the Kerala government has moved the High Court challenging the decision to acquit Malayalam actor Dileep and three other accused. The prosecution on Friday filed an appeal against the trial court’s decision that had acquitted them of charges, while also seeking enhanced punishment for those already convicted in the case.

The appeal questioned the trial court’s decision to acquit Dileep, Charlie Thomas, Sanil Kumar alias Mesthri Sanil and Sarath. Also, the state has urged the high court to enhance the sentence awarded to six other accused found guilty in the case. PTI.

Those convicted include Sunil Kumar, popularly known as Pulsar Suni, along with Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh VP, Salim H and Pradeep. The trial court had sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for his role in the crime.

In its petition, the state government has argued that the acquitted accused need to be re-examined and the punishment given to the convicted accused is inadequate considering the gravity of the crime.

according to PTIA lawyer for the state government said the appeal is expected to be heard next week, indicating that the legal proceedings will now move to the next stage.

The case, which has been in the public eye since 2017, is gaining widespread attention due to the seriousness of the crime and the involvement of prominent personalities from the Malayalam film industry.