Congress Leader's Support for Dileep Sparks Controversy in Kerala

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A controversy erupted in Kerala on Tuesday after senior Congress leader Adoor Prakash expressed support for actor Dileep, who was acquitted in a 2017 abduction and gang rape case. Prakash, the United Democratic Front (UDF) convener, sparked outrage by stating that Dileep had received justice and that the court's verdict should not be rejected. According to Prakash, who was speaking to reporters after casting his vote in the local body elections, the survivor of the crime has not yet received justice. However, he also expressed his personal rapport with Dileep and stated that the actor had been falsely accused. Prakash's remarks sparked a range of reactions from across the political spectrum, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reiterating the state government's solidarity with the survivor. Vijayan emphasized that the state will continue to support the survivor in appealing against the trial court verdict. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader MM Hassan attempted to distance the party from Prakash's comments, stating that they were his 'personal opinion.' Hassan assured that the party stands with the survivor and will continue to support her in seeking justice. The controversy comes in the backdrop of serious rape allegations against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. Despite facing charges, Mamkootathil remains absconding. The case, which involves six accused who were found guilty and four others who were acquitted, is set for sentencing on December 12. The prosecution had argued that Dileep orchestrated the attack on the actress in 2017 as part of a personal grudge he held against her.