Martin, convicted in the high-profile 2017 actress sexual assault case, has filed an appeal in the Kerala High Court. He seeks to overturn his conviction and 20-year sentence. Martin was the second accused and challenged the trial court's decision, saying it failed to consider evidence proving he was not involved in the crime. He denied claims of helping to abduct the survivor, faking an accident, or destroying evidence by disposing of his mobile SIM card. Martin pointed out that key prosecution witnesses did not show any link between him and other accused. He highlighted that the trial court itself noted the prosecution failed to prove any criminal conspiracy. The appeal states the victim said another person took her from the vehicle, and the court found no proof of conspiracy. Yet, Martin was convicted while another accused with similar allegations was acquitted. He argued both should have been treated equally. Martin also noted there were no allegations that he sexually assaulted the victim or was present at the crime scene. His supposed involvement was limited to conspiracy claims that lacked evidence. He said important witness statements were submitted, but the trial court ignored them. Martin claimed he was falsely implicated just because he was assigned to pick up the victim on that day. On December 8, the trial court acquitted popular actor Dileep and three others. Six accused, including Martin, received 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The survivor expressed her disappointment with the verdict on social media. The case dates back to February 2017, when the actress was abducted and sexually assaulted while traveling from Thrissur to Ernakulam after a film shoot. The crime was reportedly recorded on a phone inside the moving vehicle. Dileep was arrested for conspiracy related to the case.