Nora Fatehi to testify in the Sukesh Chandrashekhar case

Indian actress Nora Fatehi has recorded her statement as a prosecution witness at the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi, in connection with an extortion case against Sukesh Chandrashekhar. Following her testimony, the accused's legal team has raised questions regarding her statement and has begun preparations for cross-examination at the next hearing.

According to Indian media, the court had previously summoned Nora Fatehi twice; on one occasion, she requested an exemption from personal appearance. At that time, the court expressed displeasure over her absence and warned her to take the judicial proceedings seriously.

In her statement, the actress explained that she had been invited to perform at a charity event in Chennai in December 2020, but she received no remuneration for her participation.

Meanwhile, Sukesh’s lawyers have raised questions concerning a high-value handbag, a mobile phone, and a BMW vehicle associated with the event. Sukesh’s counsel, Anant Malik, stated that relevant documents and evidence would be presented in court during the cross-examination.

Citing Section 319 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, he noted that if evidence emerges during the proceedings implicating any other individual, the court may initiate action against them as well.

Brief Background of the Case

This case pertains to an alleged extortion scheme involving approximately 200 crore Indian rupees. In this matter, Nora Fatehi is currently a prosecution witness, not an accused. According to the Delhi Police, between 2020 and 2021, Sukesh Chandrashekhar made phone calls to Aditi Singh—the wife of former businessman Shivinder Mohan Singh, who was incarcerated in Tihar Jail. Posing as a government official, he assured her that he could help secure her husband’s release from prison, and on this pretext, he obtained a large sum of money.

Sukesh’s wife, Leena Maria Paul, and several others also came under scrutiny during the investigation into this matter. The name of Nora Fatehi also surfaced during the probe, as she had attended an event in Chennai in December 2020 that was organized by Leena Maria Paul.

Nora informed the investigative agencies that she had received expensive gifts at the event—including a high-end bag and a mobile phone—and that she had even been offered a BMW car.

Subsequently, she was named a prosecution witness in the case. However, Nora Fatehi has denied any involvement in money laundering.