State prosecutors have backtracked on allowing an independent forensic investigation in the bribery case of Dhiggaru MP Faris Maumoon.

Wednesday’s hearing concluded early after the court decided to approve state prosecutors' request.

The hearing began at 11:40am and ended at 12:25pm.

State prosecutors earlier agreed to conducting an independent forensic investigation on the presented evidence. But in the latest hearing, the prosecutor said that allowing an independent investigation would further extend the trial, and call into question the police investigation. He added that the defendant does not have the authority to call for an independent probe.