Daily News
Dileep Case Verdict: Actor Acquitted After 8 Years, Six Others Found Guilty
After nearly eight years of legal battle, a Kerala court has delivered its verdict in the Dileep case on Monday, December 8, 2025. The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Judge, Honey M. Varghese, acquitted actor Dileep of all charges. However, the court convicted six other accused in this sensational assault case.
The case shocked Kerala’s film industry. On February 17, 2017, a leading Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted inside a moving car in Kochi. Subsequently, police arrested multiple suspects, including Dileep, who faced conspiracy charges.
Court’s Decision
The judge found accused numbers 1 to 6 guilty. Meanwhile, Dileep, who was the eighth accused, walked free. After the verdict, Dileep claimed he was the “real victim of conspiracy” in this case.
| Accused Number | Name | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | N.S. Sunil (Pulsar Suni) | Guilty |
| 2 | Martin Antony | Guilty |
| 3 | B. Manikandan | Guilty |
| 4 | V.P. Vijeesh | Guilty |
| 5 | H. Salim (Vadiwal Salim) | Guilty |
| 6 | Pradeep | Guilty |
| 8 | Dileep | Acquitted |
Additionally, other accused included Charlie Thomas (7th), Sanil Kumar (9th), and Sarath Nair (15th).
Actor #Dileep found not guilty in the 2017 actress assault case.
Prosecution has failed to prove conspiracy angle against Dileep, said verdict by Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions judge Honey M Varghese.
Prime accused #PulsarSuni, accused number 2-6 were convicted by… pic.twitter.com/HPlWuYdISM
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) December 8, 2025
What Were The Charges?
Prosecutors charged Dileep with conspiracy. Specifically, they claimed he met Pulsar Suni three times and planned the attack. Furthermore, they alleged he offered ₹1.5 crore to film obscene scenes of the actress.
The accused faced serious charges under the Indian Penal Code. These included kidnapping, sexual assault, gang rape, and destruction of evidence. Moreover, they faced charges under the Information Technology Act.
Timeline of Events: Police filed the first chargesheet in April 2017. Then, in July 2017, authorities arrested Dileep after investigators found a letter from Pulsar Suni. Later, he received bail in October 2017.
The trial faced numerous delays. First, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted proceedings. Next, special prosecutors resigned multiple times. Additionally, repeated petitions before higher courts slowed the process.
In 2021, filmmaker Balachandra Kumar made serious allegations. He claimed Dileep possessed assault visuals. Consequently, authorities ordered further investigation.
Key Evidence Presented
The prosecution examined 261 witnesses during the trial. Notably, many film industry figures turned hostile. Moreover, the investigation officer testified for 109 days.
However, investigators could not trace the phone used to record the assault. Instead, they relied on a memory card submitted by a lawyer. Furthermore, the court admitted 834 documents and examined two defence witnesses.
Sadly, two key witnesses died during the trial. These included former MLA P.T. Thomas and director Balachandra Kumar.
Prosecution’s Claims: According to prosecutors, Dileep held a grudge against the survivor. They claimed he believed she revealed his affair with actress Kavya Madhavan to his first wife, Manju Warrier, in 2012. Therefore, they argued that this anger led to the conspiracy.
Investigators also presented evidence of alleged meetings between Dileep and Pulsar Suni. For instance, they cited a November 2016 meeting at Dileep’s residence. Additionally, they mentioned financial transactions totaling over ₹1 lakh.
Missing Evidence: Despite the extensive investigation, several gaps remain. Most importantly, the police never recovered the original mobile phone used for recording. Similarly, prosecutors couldn’t provide complete financial proof of the alleged payment. Furthermore, they couldn’t produce the Samsung tablet containing voice recordings.
The Dileep case verdict brings partial closure to this long legal battle. While some accused will face punishment, Dileep’s acquittal raises questions about evidence strength and the reliability of high-profile cases.
Netflix announced on Friday Netflix acquires Warner Bros with an enterprise value of $82.7 billion. This marks one of the largest mergers in Hollywood history. The streaming giant will gain control of HBO Max and the HBO studio, along with iconic franchises like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and DC Comics.
The deal dramatically reshapes the entertainment landscape. Moreover, it brings together two fundamentally different companies under one roof. Netflix boasts over 300 million subscribers, while HBO Max and Discovery+ combined have around 128 million subscribers.
What’s Included in the Deal?
The acquisition covers Warner Bros’ extensive assets:
| Asset Category | What Netflix Gets | | Studios | Warner Bros Television, Motion Picture Group | | Streaming | HBO Max platform and content | | Franchises | DC Universe, Harry Potter, Friends, Game of Thrones | | Premium Content | HBO original programming | | Film Library | Decades of classic Warner Bros films |
However, the deal excludes cable networks. Networks like CNN, Discovery, and TNT Sports will become part of a separate publicly traded company called Discovery Global.
Why This Deal Happened? Warner Bros Discovery put itself up for sale in October 2024. The company struggled with debt and disappointing streaming growth. Subsequently, several bidders emerged, including Paramount and Comcast.
Netflix struck a deal to buy Warner’s studio and streaming business for $72 billion. The cash and stock agreement values each Warner Bros share at $27.75. Specifically, shareholders will receive $23.25 in cash and $4.50 in Netflix stock.
Additionally, both companies’ boards unanimously approved the transaction. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos expressed confidence about regulatory approval. He stated the companies are running “full speed” toward completion.
Industry Reactions and Concerns
The announcement sparked immediate controversy. Senator Elizabeth Warren called it “an anti-monopoly nightmare”. She warned the merger threatens to force Americans into higher subscription prices and fewer choices.
Furthermore, the Writers Guild of America called for the deal to be blocked in a statement Friday. The guild argues that consolidation would eliminate jobs and worsen conditions for entertainment workers.
Meanwhile, movie theater operators expressed deep concern. Cinema United CEO Michael O’Leary said the merger posed “an unprecedented threat” to the global cinema business. However, Netflix promised to continue theatrical releases for Warner Bros films.
What Changes for Consumers? Netflix indicated subscribers will see expanded content options. The company said the addition of HBO and HBO Max programming will give its members “even more high-quality titles from which to choose”.
However, uncertainty remains about HBO Max’s future. The platform could remain separate or merge with Netflix. Additionally, analysts predict potential price increases as Netflix gains more market power.
With the Warner Bros acquisition, Netflix will effectively win the streaming wars by owning the #1 and #3 SVOD platforms. This consolidation raises questions about competition and consumer choice.
Timeline and Regulatory Hurdles
The merger won’t happen immediately. The acquisition is expected to finalize in the third quarter of 2026. First, Warner Bros must complete its planned split into two companies.
Moreover, the deal faces significant regulatory scrutiny. It requires approval from the U.S. Justice Department and potentially the European Commission. President Trump commented that the deal “could be a problem” due to market share concerns.
This historic acquisition represents a pivotal moment for streaming. While Netflix gains unmatched content resources, questions about jobs, competition, and consumer impact remain unanswered as regulators review this massive entertainment industry transformation, with Netflix acquires Warner Bros.
The Thailand vs Cambodia war situation has intensified dramatically. On Monday, Thailand launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia after fresh clashes killed one Thai soldier and wounded three Cambodian civilians. Both countries now blame each other for breaking the ceasefire agreement.
Thailand has attacked Cambodia.
Both countries blamed each other of violating the ceasefire.
It is reported that one Thailand soldier was killed, several more were injured.
In October, Thailand and Cambodia have signed a ceasefire agreement with President Trump present. pic.twitter.com/KqlUARsz2b
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) December 8, 2025
Thai military spokesman Major-General Winthai Suvari confirmed the deployment of aircraft. He stated Thailand used the planes to “suppress” Cambodian attacks. Furthermore, the incident occurred in Ubon Ratchathani province around 5:05 am local time.
Conflicting Accounts
Both sides present different versions of events. Thailand claims Cambodian soldiers fired first using small arms and rockets. However, Cambodia disputes this account entirely.
| Country | Their Claim | Casualties Reported |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Cambodia attacked first at 5:05 am | 1 soldier killed, 4 wounded |
| Cambodia | Thailand launched dawn attacks | 3 civilians wounded (including 1 woman) |
Moreover, Cambodia’s military stated on Facebook that Thai forces had shown “numerous provocative actions for many days” before the attack. Additionally, they insisted their troops did not retaliate despite the aggression.
Background of the Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have contested their border for over a century. Specifically, they dispute sovereignty at unmarked points along their 817-kilometer land border. France first mapped this boundary in 1907 when it ruled Cambodia as a colony.
Previously, tensions erupted into a five-day war in July. Consequently, at least 48 people died, and approximately 300,000 people fled temporarily. Subsequently, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire. Later, both countries signed an expanded peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur in October.
The conflict “ended” by Donald Trump between Thailand and Cambodia has reignited.
Following last night’s escalation, both sides have begun extensive military operations, deploying F-16 fighter jets, rocket artillery, and heavy mechanized units. pic.twitter.com/blkZ8FW78C
— IDEA TV (@ideatelevision) December 8, 2025
Recent Escalation: Despite the peace agreement, tensions continued to rise. Last month, a landmine blast injured a Thai soldier. Therefore, Thailand immediately halted the ceasefire implementation. Meanwhile, Cambodia denied responsibility, claiming the device was a remnant from past conflicts.
Additionally, another brief clash occurred on Sunday in Sisaket province. During this incident, two Thai soldiers sustained injuries. The exchange of fire lasted approximately 20 minutes.
Mass Evacuations: The renewed fighting has displaced thousands of civilians. Thailand’s Second Army Region reported evacuating about 35,000 people from border areas. Similarly, Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province suspended schools on Monday. Furthermore, villagers living near the border fled to safety immediately.
Leaders’ Responses
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized his country’s peaceful intentions. He stated, “Thailand has never wished for violence.” Nevertheless, he confirmed the military stands ready to maintain security.
Meanwhile, Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen urged restraint. He accused Thai forces of trying to “draw us into a fight to destroy the ceasefire.” Moreover, he encouraged athletes to participate normally in the Southeast Asia Games, which began in Thailand on Tuesday.
International Concern: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar expressed deep concern about the situation. He urged both sides to “exercise maximum restraint” and maintain communication. Additionally, he offered Malaysia’s support to restore calm.
The Thailand vs Cambodia war represents a serious threat to regional stability. Despite international mediation efforts, the century-old border dispute continues to spark deadly violence, displacing thousands and threatening peace in Southeast Asia.
India’s largest airline faced a massive crisis this week. IndiGo flight cancellations affected thousands of passengers across the country, creating chaos at major airports. The airline, which operates about 2,200 flights daily, struggled to maintain its schedule after new pilot duty rules took effect.
The problems started on December 2, 2025. Initially, flights were delayed. However, the situation quickly worsened. By Friday, December 6, the airline had cancelled over 1,000 flights in a single day. Moreover, the disruption continued throughout the weekend, with more than 600 flights cancelled on Sunday alone.
Main Reasons Behind the Crisis
1. Pilot Shortage
The airline did not have enough pilots available. Consequently, many flights couldn’t operate because no crew remained eligible to fly under new regulations.
2. New Duty Rules (FDTL)
India introduced stricter Flight Duty Time Limitations in November 2024. These rules aim to reduce pilot fatigue and improve safety. Specifically, they include:
| New Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Weekly Rest | Increased from 36 to 48 hours |
| Night Landings | Reduced from 6 to 2 per period |
| Daily Flight Hours | Capped at 8 hours |
| Monthly Hours | Limited to 125 hours |
Additionally, pilots must receive rest periods equal to twice their flight duty duration.
3. System Failures
Furthermore, airports in Delhi and Pune experienced technical glitches. These failures in check-in systems created long queues and delayed departures.
4. Winter Congestion
High passenger volumes and fog-related delays added to the problems. Therefore, even minor delays created ripple effects across the entire network.
Government Response on the Indigo Flight Crisis
The government took immediate action. First, the Civil Aviation Minister held a serious meeting with IndiGo’s CEO. Subsequently, the aviation regulator issued a show-cause notice to the airline’s leadership.
To help stranded passengers, authorities provided train tickets. Meanwhile, the government capped airfares to prevent price exploitation. For instance, flights between 1,000-1,500 km were limited to ₹15,000.
Interestingly, the government also granted temporary exemptions from some new rules until February 10, 2026. However, pilot associations protested these exemptions, stating the rules exist to protect lives.
IndiGo’s Recovery Plan
The airline formed a Crisis Management Group led by Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta. This group meets regularly to monitor the situation.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers announced three key actions:
- Better customer communication about cancellations
- Processing refunds quickly (₹610 crore already processed)
- Adjusting crew schedules and flight timings
Message from Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo. pic.twitter.com/bXFdqoB0Q2
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 5, 2025
By Sunday, operations showed improvement. The airline restored service to 137 out of 138 destinations. Furthermore, on-time performance jumped from 30% to 75%.
When Will Things Improve?
The airline expects operations to normalize between December 10-15, 2025. Currently, more than 1,650 flights are operating daily, up from 1,500 on Saturday.
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 7, 2025
Passengers booking IndiGo flights until December 15 can cancel or reschedule without any charges. Nevertheless, travelers should check their flight status before heading to the airport, as some disruptions may continue.
This crisis marks the biggest operational challenge for IndiGo in its 20-year history. Ultimately, the situation highlights the importance of proper planning when implementing new safety regulations.
IndiGo Customer Care
Here is the IndiGo customer care:
Image source: Official IndiGo website
For more, you can visit their official website- Link Click Here.
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