Extortion Case: Delhi High Court Grants Bail To Conman Sukesh Chandrashekar’s Alleged Woman Aide

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted bail to a woman, an alleged close aide of conman Sukesh Chandrashekar, accused of assisting him while he was lodged in Tihar Jail through a contractual nursing staff and for helping him run an extortion racket from the prison.

Pooja Singh was employed by Chandrashekar’s wife Leena Maria Paul as manager of her nail artistry salon. Paul is also a co-accused in the case.

Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma observed that Singh was a young woman of about 25 to 26 years and that the Enforcement Directorate did not allege that she used “even a single paisa” for her own benefit.

The court added that the possibility of a “young girl with an immature mind” falling to the tricks of Sukesh Chandrashekhar cannot be ruled out.

“The contention that the petitioner was assured of being rewarded is not sufficient for this court to reach to the conclusion that the accused has committed an offence under the PMLA. Persons of such tender age sometimes in the anxiety of getting easy money may deviate. The facts of each case are peculiar in nature,” the court said.

It added that Singh, a young girl, had joined private service but ended up to allegedly committing serious offence. Justice Sharma added that there was no material on record to suggest that she will commit offence of similar nature if released on bail.

ED alleged that various luxurious articles were purchased for Sukesh Chandrashekhar and Leena Maria Paul which were delivered inside the premises of Tihar Jail by way of mulakat by Singh. It was also alleged that she was making payments to various individuals as per the instructions of Sukesh Chandrashekhar.

As per ED, Singh was Chandrashekar’s close associate and that she was very well aware of the nature of activities and tasks being undertaken by her and thus, was involved in the offence of money laundering.

On the other hand, it was Singh’s case that the alleged acts were being done by her under the course of the master and servant relationship. It was submitted that all the relevant material was already seized by ED and there was no possibility of tampering with the same.

“…I consider that taking into account the totality of the facts and circumstances and in particular of the fact that the petitioner is a young girl of 25-26 years is entitled to be admitted to bail. Accordingly, the petitioner is admitted to bail on her furnishing personal bond in the sum of Rs.50,000/- with one surety of the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial court,” the court said.

Case Title: POOJA SINGH v. DIRECTORATE OF ENFORCEMENT

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 767

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