Leena Maria Paul, the wife of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, was denied bail by a Delhi court in a ₹200 crore extortion case. However, she received relief in a separate Enforcement Directorate (ED) case.
Bail Denied in Extortion Case
A Delhi court on Tuesday denied bail to Leena Maria Paul in connection with a ₹200 crore extortion case. The court observed that she was prima facie involved in the offense and that the allegations against her were serious in nature. The case pertains to the extortion of ₹200 crore from the wife of a businessman.
Relief in ED Case
In a separate development, Leena Maria Paul was granted relief by the same court in a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate. The court allowed her to be released on interim bail on medical grounds. She was directed to furnish a personal bond of ₹50,000 and a surety of the same amount.
Background of the Case
Sukesh Chandrasekhar and his wife Leena Maria Paul are accused of extorting ₹200 crore from the wife of a businessman. The couple was arrested in 2021 and has been in judicial custody since then. The ED had also filed a money laundering case against them based on the extortion case.
Legal Proceedings
The court, while denying bail in the extortion case, noted that the investigation was at a crucial stage and that there was a likelihood of the accused tampering with evidence if released on bail. However, considering the medical condition of Leena Maria Paul, the court granted her interim bail in the ED case.
Leena Maria Paul's counsel argued that she was suffering from several ailments and needed medical treatment. The court, after perusing the medical reports, allowed her interim bail for a period of six weeks. She was also directed to cooperate with the investigation and not leave the country without prior permission.
Conclusion
The case continues to unfold with both legal battles being fought simultaneously. While Leena Maria Paul remains in custody for the extortion case, she has been granted temporary relief in the money laundering case. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for next month.
