PG: Decision not to appeal acquittal of Sun companies in Fuggiri case based on lack of further legal grounds

The Prosecutor General’s Office has decided not to appeal the Criminal Court’s acquittal of Sun companies in the case involving allegations of bribery and abuse of power during the lease of R. Fuggiri.

The state's decision was revealed following a response from the Prosecutor General’s Office to a Right to Information (RTI) request submitted by the news outlet "Dhauru."

In this case, the state has raised charges against Sun Investment Private Limited and Sun Construction and Engineering Private Limited. The Criminal Court ruled late last year that the money laundering charges against both companies were not proven.

Regarding the decision not to appeal the verdict, the Prosecutor General’s Office stated that they do not believe there are sufficient legal grounds to overturn the lower court's ruling through an appeal.

According to a statement issued by the Prosecutor General’s Office, a review of the Criminal Court’s ruling found no legal grounds to suggest that a higher court would overturn the decision. Consequently, the state did not file an appeal with the High Court before the statutory deadline expired. This decision by the state specifically pertains to the involvement of the companies implicated in the case.

The Fuggiri case also involves charges against former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, who faces allegations of bribery and money laundering. While his trial continues at the Criminal Court, the proceedings against the Sun companies were conducted separately. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the companies, citing insufficient evidence to prove the charges against them.

The state had previously alleged that funds received as bribes during the lease of Fuggiri were laundered through Sun companies. However, following the court's ruling, the companies have been cleared of all such allegations.