The Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur today acquitted and discharged P Chithirakala, former chief executive officer of Maju Institute for Education Development (MIED), of three charges of cheating involving RM4 million.  

NONE Judge Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh reached the decision after allowing Deputy Public Prosecutor Kevin Morais’ application to withdraw the case against Chithirakala, 40 ( right ).

Morais said the accused had submitted three letters of representation to the attorney-general stating several material facts.

He said: “Among the facts was that the accused had returned the RM4 million, which formed the basis of the three charges against her, to MIED Capital Sdn Bhd.

“After considering the representation, the attorney-general agreed to withdraw all charges against the accused,” he added.

“In relation to this, the prosecution offers no evidence against the accused on the charges,” he said.

Chithirakala, who was represented by Salehuddin Saidin and accompanied by her husband, shed tears upon hearing the court’s decision and thanked all parties involved.

On May 11 last year, Chithirakala pleaded not guilty to cheating former MIC secretary-general M Mahalingam , who was a director and signatory of MIED Sdn Bhd (the educational arm of MIC), by deceiving him into signing two cheques worth RM4 million in total.

Former MIC president S Samy Vellu and his son S Vell Paari had testified during earlier proceedings in the case.

Chithirakala was charged under Section 429 of the Penal Code which provides for 10 years maximum imprisonment and possible fine upon conviction.

- Bernama