Actress Leena Maria under probe in another cheating case

The desire to make a quick buck to lead a lavish lifestyle has landed in police net budding actress Leena Maria Paul, who was today remanded in judicial custody for allegedly cheating a city-based businessman of Rs 62.47 lakh.

Days after her arrest from a farmhouse in Delhi, Chennai City Police today brought her here for interrogation.

"During interrogation the accused (Leena Maria) revealed that her desire for lavish life and quick money had pushed her to indulge in such criminal activities," police said, adding, she had been remanded in judicial custody.

Maria is already under probe along with her "husband" in connection with cheating a bank to the tune of Rs 19.22 crore.

The present case involving Maria, who had acted in 'Red Chillies' with national award winner Mohanlal and 'Husbands in Goa' besides others, concerns cheating a city-based businessman of Rs 62.47 lakh.

Chakkaravathi, who runs a tailoring contract company Sky Lark Textiles and outfitters, had lodged complaint, saying he received a call in April last year where the caller introduced herself as Leena Maria, "personal assistant of Jaya Kumar IAS, Director of Project development, Karnataka."

'Jaya Kumar' who then spoke, said Chakkaravathi's firm was selected for stitching employees' uniform of Karnataka Government's Medical, Transport, Corporation department, and demanded Rs 62,47,016 as registration fee and refundable deposit in his bank account, police said.

Believing that it could be genuine, the complainant had transferred the money. Later he realised he had been cheated, police said in a release here, adding a case was later registered under different sections of the IPC including cheating.

Police found out that one Sukash Chandrasekar had impersonated as Jaya Kumar IAS, and conspired with his wife Leena Maria and two others to cheat Chakravarthy.
Maria was arrested from a farmhouse in Delhi by a special team on May 28. Three others including Sukash Chandrasekar, were absconding.

Police recovered 80 watches and nine cars.

The couple was hiding in the farmhouse since May 12 to evade arrest. Their four personal security officers, including three ex-servicemen, were also arrested.