Kochi: Actor Dileep has suffered a setback in the actress assault case. The High Court Division Bench has dismissed Dileep’s plea seeking a CBI investigation. The petition was dismissed considering the fact that the trial is in its final stage. Earlier, the High Court's Single Bench had rejected the plea, following which Dileep approached the Division Bench.

Dileep had approached the High Court four years ago requesting that a central agency conduct an impartial investigation into the case. However, during the course of the trial, the court had strongly criticised Dileep. The court observed that the demand for a CBI probe was merely a tactic to delay the case. The court had also asked the government on what stage the trial is progressing. After hearing the final arguments, the court dismissed Dileep’s plea and disposed of the petition.

The Single Bench had earlier made it clear that an accused cannot demand which agency should investigate the case. The trial in the actress assault case is in its final stage at the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court. With the final arguments completed, the verdict is expected to be delivered in June.