Kochi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has informed the Kerala High Court that it cannot take over the probe into the death of noted actor Kalabhavan Mani.
The state government had requested the CBI to take over the probe after the actor's relatives alleged foul play behind the death.
The central probe agency on Wednesday submitted a note to the court explaining why it cannot take over the probe. The agency said medical reports have made it clear that Mani died due to liver ailments.
The 45-year-old actor, who had essayed various roles in south Indian films, was found in a serious condition at his farmhouse at Chalakudy and though he was rushed to hospital, his life could not be saved.
The actor died on March 6, 2016 in a hospital in Kochi where he was admitted with haematemesis (vomiting of blood).
While a lab at Kochi had found traces of chlorpyrifos, a toxic pesticide in his viscera sample, a Hyderabad lab had stated that traces of methyl alcohol were found in his blood. But the police could not find any substantial evidence to support the allegations of foul play.
Mani's wife Nimmy and brother RLV Ramakrishnan had moved the HC seeking a CBI probe into the case.
The state government had earlier this month filed a statement in the High Court ruling out possibility of the actor being poisoned to death or committing suicide. A police probe is still on into the case.