On Monday, 7th April 2025, the Kerala High Court dismissed Malayalam actor Dileep’s appeal requesting a CBI investigation into the high-profile 2017 actress assault case. The court emphasized that the trial is almost over and does not warrant a fresh probe at this stage.

The bench comprising Justice A. M. Mustaque and Justice P. Krishna Kumar dismissed the appeal, noting that the trial before the Principal District and Sessions Court, Ernakulam, is heading towards its final phase.

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"We finally concur with the learned Single Judge regard to the relief declining for further instructions to the CBI as it is now we also find that trial is heading to final conclusion," the bench stated.

Background of the Case

The case dates back to February 18, 2017, when a group of assailants forcefully entered the car of a well-known Malayalam actress and committed acts of sexual violence. It is alleged that the crime was orchestrated by Dileep, the 8th accused in the case, who allegedly hired goons to carry out the attack as an act of personal revenge.

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Dileep has consistently denied the allegations but has remained a key figure in the investigation.

In December 2018, a single judge of the Kerala High Court had already rejected Dileep’s initial plea for a CBI investigation. The actor then appealed this decision in March 2019.

However, during the appeal hearing, the Court observed that Dileep sought repeated adjournments, which delayed the proceedings.

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While hearing the current appeal on 1st April 2025, the Court reiterated its stand, pointing out the lack of necessity for a CBI probe given the stage of the ongoing trial.

"We concur with the Single Judge’s decision not to direct a CBI investigation, especially considering the current status of the trial," said the Division Bench.

However, the High Court also made a crucial point by setting aside certain observations made by the Single Judge in the earlier verdict.

"Such matters are to be decided at the appropriate stage," the Court clarified.

• Dileep is the 8th accused in the actress assault case.
• The crime happened on 18th February 2017, allegedly by hired goons.
• Dileep’s plea for a CBI investigation was first rejected in 2018.
• He filed an appeal in 2019, but the trial saw multiple adjournments.
• The Court has now dismissed the appeal, noting that the trial is nearing completion.
• Certain remarks made by the Single Judge were quashed by the Bench.

Case Title: P. Gopalakrishnan @ Dileep v State of Kerala

Case No: WA 950/ 2019