Kerala actor attacked: Survivor speaks out after video reveals culprit’s identity
The survivor of the 2017 Kerala actor attack case reacted to a video shared by one of the convicts, Martin Antony, in which his identity is revealed and derogatory comments are also included. She called out those who shared the content and appealed to everyone to let her live.
The Kerala actress, who was sexually assaulted in 2017, has spoken out after a video posted by Martin Antony, one of the convicts in the case, revealed her identity and contained derogatory comments. The video, which was widely circulated on social media, prompted the actor to publicly address the matter, criticizing both the culprit and those who shared the content.
A Kochi court had sentenced Antony along with five others to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in the sexual assault case. Actor Dileep was controversially acquitted by the court citing lack of evidence. The video was reportedly recorded when Antony was out on bail and resurfaced after the verdict, triggering a fresh round of online abuse against the actor.
In a statement in Malayalam, the actor said, “My mistake. When the attack happened against me, I immediately complained to the police and took legal action. I should have remained silent and not said anything to anyone, saying that whatever happened that day was my fate. Later, when that video came out, I didn’t know what to say to those people who accused me of not complaining to the police at the same time.”
Commenting on the content of the video, he said, “I saw a video taken by the second accused – who was sentenced to 20 years in jail – before he (went to jail). In that video, he might have also said that I am the one who took the nude video.”
Addressing both the culprit and those who shared the video, the actor wrote, “Don’t let this happen to you or your family members who say and spread such distorted things.”
The actress concluded her comment with, “Not a victim, not a survivor, just a normal human being!! Let me live.”
On Thursday, Thrissur City Police, acting on a complaint filed by the actor, registered a case against Martin Antony for revealing his identity and defaming him through social media. Police confirmed that legal action will be taken not only against Antony but also against those who shared or circulated the video on social media platforms.
Police indicated that the spread of the video led to coordinated online abuse, increasing pressure on the actor and his supporters.
On December 8, the court convicted six persons, including Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, B Manikandan, Vijesh VP, Salim H alias Vadival Salim and Pradeep, in the case of kidnapping and sexual assault of the actor in February 2017. All six received the minimum punishment prescribed for gang rape. The court acquitted the eighth accused, Malayalam actor Dileep, due to lack of evidence.
After the verdict, the victim alleged that the trial conducted was unfair. The Kerala government said that they will soon appeal against the decision in the High Court.