On Monday, actor Dileep was acquitted in a 2017 assault case by a Kerala district court after nearly eight years of trial. A large crowd gathered early at the court, creating a scene like a movie theatre. Fans cheered and waved as Dileep arrived quietly at 10:27 a.m., followed by other accused and lawyers by 10:30 a.m. T.B. Mini, the survivor's lawyer, was confident about conviction, but the court cleared all accused including Dileep, who was charged with planning the brutal attack. Exiting the court at 11:20 a.m., Dileep smiled and waved to his fans, wearing a white shirt and blue jeans. Dileep told the media, "I am the victim of a conspiracy and media trial." Fans, some coming from as far as Dubai, echoed his claim. Shamna said, "We were always sure that Dileep is innocent. Truth has prevailed." Riyas, head of the All Kerala Dileep Fans Association, added, "It has been proven that he was a victim of media trial." Sweet laddoos were even distributed among the crowd. However, not everyone shared the joy. A middle-aged man said, "Women are not safe when those on the other side are filthy rich." A woman lawyer called the verdict predictable but disagreed with it. Thomas, a local autorickshaw driver, said he expected conviction. The court verdict has left the public sharply divided.