Leena Paulose, a noted actress, is accused of being a key accomplice in the massive extortion and money laundering scheme allegedly orchestrated by her husband. The ED has claimed that she actively helped Sukesh in laundering money obtained through fraudulent activities, including extorting prominent businessmen and celebrities.
Paulose, who has been in custody for several months, argued in her plea that she had no direct involvement in the alleged crimes and was being wrongfully implicated. Her counsel also highlighted her deteriorating health and sought bail on humanitarian grounds. The ED, however, maintains that her release could jeopardize the investigation, given the seriousness of the charges.
The ₹200 crore case, one of the largest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), involves allegations of extortion from high-profile victims, including business tycoons and political figures. The ED has already attached properties worth crores linked to Sukesh Chandrasekhar and Leena Paulose, describing their network as an intricate web of deceit and money laundering.
The court’s decision to issue notice signals the beginning of legal proceedings on Paulose’s bail application. The case has attracted widespread attention due to its high-profile nature and the involvement of Bollywood celebrities allegedly connected to the couple. Further hearings are expected to bring more clarity on the arguments from both sides.