In a verdict that brings to a close one of the most closely followed criminal trials in Kerala's recent history, the Principal District and Sessions Court in Ernakulam on Monday acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep in the 2017 case concerning the abduction and sexual assault of a prominent woman actor. The court, presided over by Judge Honey M Varghese, found that the prosecution had failed to substantiate the allegations against Dileep, who was listed as the eighth accused, and against Charlie Thomas, the seventh accused.