South Indian actress, friend held for cheating from Delhi farmhouse

A 25-year-old south Indian actress and her male friend were on Tuesday arrested from a south Delhi farmhouse where they had been hiding in a bid to evade law in a case of cheating registered in Chennai.

Their six personal security officers, including three ex-servicemen, were also arrested in a joint operation by Delhi police and Chennai Crime Branch from Khari Farms in Fatehpurberi, a senior police official said.

Leena Maria Paul, who has acted in National Award winner Mohanlal-starrer Red Chillies and other films, and her friend Balaji were allegedly involved in a case registered under sections 420 (cheating), 120 B (criminal conspiracy) and 406 (breach of trust).

Paul has worked in films like Madras Cafe, Thousands in Goa, Cobra and Red Chillies.

‘She was hiding in Delhi along with her friend Balaji alias Chandersekar. Four weapons seized from the PSOs have all India licences obtained from Haryana and Jammu but not endorsed by the Delhi licensing branch,’ the official said.

A case under the relevant section of Arms Act has been registered here.

Nine expensive cars and 81 expensive wrist watches have also been recovered.

‘The accused had moved to the farm house on 12 May and their tenant verification form was also received and is under verification process,’ the official said.

‘We are probing into the matter, and further investigation is in process,’ said a police official.