Dileep’s CBI plea in actress assault case: High Court to hear final arguments on April 7

The Kerala High Court’s Division Bench is set to hear actor Dileep’s plea for a CBI investigation in the actress assault case on April 7.

Dileep argues for an impartial probe
According to Kerala Kaumudi, Dileep, who is the eighth accused in the case, filed an appeal after the Single Bench previously rejected his request. The actor argues that an impartial probe by a central agency is essential to uncover the full truth behind the incident and the alleged conspiracy.
Mobile phone as never been recovered
Dileep contends that although the police filed the charge sheet on April 17, 2017, the mobile phone allegedly used to record the assault footage has never been recovered. He insists that a thorough investigation should have continued to locate this crucial piece of evidence. His plea emphasizes that a CBI inquiry is necessary to ensure fairness in the probe, especially regarding the actual circumstances of the incident and any conspiracy that led to the registration of the case.

“You (Dileep) are using this writ petition as a defense for the trial.”
However, the prosecution has strongly opposed Dileep’s plea, arguing that the trial proceedings are almost complete. The prosecutor pointed out that Dileep did not actively pursue this request for the past six years, and keeping the matter pending any longer serves no purpose. The prosecution further noted that the trial has already faced multiple adjournments, delaying the case significantly.
During the proceedings, the Division Bench observed, “You (Dileep) are using this writ petition as a defense for the trial.” The court also acknowledged that the case had been postponed numerous times over the years. Given these circumstances, it has scheduled the matter for a final hearing on April 7.
Meanwhile, the trial at the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court is nearing its conclusion. Both sides are expected to complete their arguments by May 11, just before the summer court recess. The verdict in the case is likely to be pronounced in the first week of June.