Conspiracy-to-Murder Case: Dileep Named First Accused, Crucial Evidence Found

Kochi: Crucial evidence, including phone data, in the case in which actor Dileep is the first accused for allegedly conspiring to harm the investigators of the actress assault case. The charge sheet is expected to be filed soon. The case is based on director Balachandra Kumar’s revelation that a conspiracy to harm the investigating officers took place on November 15, 2017, at Dileep’s Aluva residence, “Padmasarovaram" house. The Crime Branch investigation collected audio recordings, phone records, and other digital evidence.

Along with Dileep, the other six accused are his brother Anoop, brother-in-law TN Suraj, manager Krishnakumar, friends Baiju Chengamanad and Sarath G Nair, and IT expert Sai Shankar. Sai Shankar later turned approver after being arrested for allegedly tampering with and destroying electronic evidence.

A confidential statement from Balachandra Kumar was recorded prior to his death. Dileep was interrogated for 33 hours. His plea in the High Court seeking to stop further investigation was dismissed.

According to Balachandra Kumar’s statement, in 2016 he had seen Pulsar Suni, the first accused in the actress assault case, leaving “Padmasarovaram” with money. He also stated that in 2017, at the same house, Dileep’s friend Sarath had shown him the visuals of the assault on a tablet.

Six Phones Contain Key Digital Evidence

The detailed forensic analysis of the six mobile phones produced by Dileep before the High Court will be crucial in the case. Mirror images and forensic reports also exist for two additional phones that were not produced by the defence. Investigators suspect these phones were destroyed or hidden by Anoop and Suraj.

One of these phones was allegedly used by Suraj in 2017 while Dileep was in jail, reportedly to influence witnesses. The second unproduced phone is one that Dileep used until late August 2021.