New Delhi, 17 June (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the Delhi Police while hearing the bail plea filed by Leena Maria Paul, wife of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, in a case registered under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The case pertains to the alleged Rs 200 crore fraud involving Aditi Singh, wife of former Ranbaxy promoter Shivinder Singh.

A vacation Bench headed by Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the Delhi Police to respond to the bail petition.

Earlier, on May 5, the Delhi High Court had rejected Leena Maria Paul's bail plea in the MCOCA case, while granting her bail in the money laundering case. On December 4, 2021, the Patiala House Court had taken cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet filed against Leena Maria Paul and seven other accused in the matter.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police arrested Leena Maria Paul on September 5, 2021. Sukesh Chandrashekhar was arrested a day earlier, on September 4, 2021, in connection with the same case.

According to the Enforcement Directorate, multiple raids were conducted at premises linked to Sukesh Chandrashekhar as part of the investigation. During the searches, 16 luxury cars were seized under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The vehicles were registered in the names of Leena Maria Paul or firms associated with her.

The ED has alleged that Sukesh Chandrashekhar masterminded and orchestrated the entire criminal operation. The Delhi Police has invoked the provisions of the MCOCA against him. Sukesh is also facing a separate case related to the alleged attempt to bribe the Election Commission in connection with the AIADMK symbol dispute.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar