John Abraham's actress Leena Paul arrested for cheating

South Indian actress Leena Maria Paul, who was on the run after allegedly cheating a Chennai bank of Rs 19 crore, was today arrested from a farmhouse here while her male accomplice managed to escape.

Paul, who has acted in national award winner Mohanlal-starrer 'Red Chillies', was arrested early this morning from Khari Farms in south Delhi's Asola during a joint operation by Delhi Police and Chennai Crime Branch.

However, her friend Balaji alias Chandrasekar, who allegedly posed as an IAS officer to get the loan, managed to flee from the spot.

They were hiding in the farmhouse since May 12 in a bid to evade arrest in the case.

Their four personal security officers, including three ex-servicemen, were also arrested.

Chennai Police had in March registered a case under sections 420 (cheating), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 406 (breach of trust) against the duo.

Balaji, a resident of Bangalore, had allegedly posed as an IAS officer and along with Leena approached Canara Bank in Chennai seeking a Rs 19

crore loan for a big project.

"She was hiding in Delhi along with his friend Balaji alias Chandersekar. Four weapons seized from their security officers have all India licence obtained from Haryana and Jammu but not endorsed from Delhi licensing branch," the official said.

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

Nine luxurious cars -- Land Cruiser, Land Rover, BMW, rolls Royce among others -- and 81 expensive wrist watches have also been recovered.

"The two had shifted to present farm house on May 12 and their tenant verification form was also received and under verification process," the official said.

They were paying Rs four lakh per month as rent.

Paul is also associated with upcoming John Abraham-starrer Madras Cafe, Malayalam comedy Husbands in Goa and Cobra.

The actress, a resident of Kochi, is a BDS graduate and did her schooling from Dubai, where her parents are staying. Her father is an engineer.