The Kerala High Court on Monday dismissed a plea filed by Malayalam actor P Gopalakrishnan alias Dileep seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the 2017 actress assault case, in which he is the prime accused.
A Division Bench of Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice P Krishna Kumar ruled against the CBI transfer, citing that the trial is in its final stage before the Ernakulam Principal District and Sessions Court. It does not warrant fresh investigation at this juncture.
BACKGROUND OF THE CASE
The case dates back to February 2017, when a prominent Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving vehicle. The incident shocked the state and the film fraternity.
Actor Dileep was later arrested in July 2017 for allegedly orchestrating the assault as an act of personal revenge. It was claimed that the actress had informed Dileep’s then-wife, Manju Warrier, about his alleged extra-marital affair, which contributed to the breakdown of their marriage.
CHARGES AGAINST DILEEP
- Section 366 IPC – Kidnapping
- Section 120B IPC – Criminal Conspiracy
- Section 376D IPC – Gang Rape
Dileep was arrested along with five others and was initially denied bail twice before being granted conditional bail in October 2017.
COURT’S OBSERVATIONS
Dileep had previously approached the Kerala High Court in 2018 seeking a CBI probe, alleging bias in the state police investigation. That plea was rejected by Justice Sunil Thomas, prompting the current appeal.
On Monday, the Division Bench found no merit in the renewed demand for a CBI probe.
“The trial is already in its concluding stage. There is no requirement for transferring the case to the CBI at this point,” the Bench stated.
However, the Court also held that certain observations made by the single judge in the earlier ruling were unwarranted.
“The single judge’s observations on how intense media scrutiny has affected the investigation was unnecessary and therefore, stands eschewed,” the Bench clarified.
The Court also noted that references made by the single judge regarding new witnesses and alleged bias were made only when deciding the original petition and should not influence the trial proceedings.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CASE
2017: Assault incident occurs; six people arrested.
July 2017: Dileep was arrested and charged.
October 2017: Dileep was granted bail.
2018: Dileep seeks CBI probe; petition dismissed.
2019: Appeal filed.
April 2025: Division Bench dismisses the appeal, citing ongoing trial.
CONCLUSION
With this order, the Kerala High Court has closed the door on transferring the investigation to the CBI, reinforcing that the judicial process should proceed without further interference. The actress assault case, one of the most high-profile cases in Kerala’s recent legal history, continues in the final leg of its trial.
