Second accused in actress assault case booked for defaming survivor online

Thrissur (Kerala): A case has been registered against the second accused in the 2017 actress assault case for allegedly defaming the survivor on social media, police said on Thursday.

Thrissur Cyber Police booked Martin Antony, who was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in the assault case. According to authorities, a video surfaced online showing Antony allegedly revealing the survivor’s identity and defaming her.

Police believe the video was recorded before the verdict was announced and circulated afterwards. Following a complaint received by the Thrissur Range Deputy Inspector General of Police, a case was formally registered.

Investigators have traced 21 social media accounts that circulated the video. Authorities said those responsible for sharing the content will be identified and added as accused in the case.

In the trial, the court in Kochi acquitted four individuals, including actor Dileep. Six others, including Antony, were sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for their direct involvement. Antony had been the driver of the car in which the survivor was abducted and sexually assaulted in February 2017.