HC says time for reinvestigation cannot be extended; fear of survivor is unnecessary, says government

KOCHI: The High Court has said that the time for reinvestigation in the actress assault case cannot be extended. The bench of Justice Siyad Rahman considered the petition of the actress. The explanation was that this court could not intervene as the time limit was fixed by another bench.

The Director-General of Prosecution argued that the fear of survivor that the investigation is not being done properly is unnecessary and that the government is with her. The DGP said that a new special prosecutor will be appointed in consultation with the actress. The case was adjourned to Friday for consideration. The court said it would call for a report from the trial court if necessary.

Currently, the eighth accused Dileep is not a party in the petition. So Dileep's part needs to be heard as well. The court also directed the government to give an explanation on the actress' complaint by Friday. The trial is set to begin on May 30.

The survivor filed a petition in the High Court following the news that the Crime Branch team is concluding the investigation. The petition states that there is a move to subvert the case and that the court should intervene to ensure justice.