ED Opposes Jacqueline Fernandez's Approver Plea in Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) strongly opposed Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez’s plea to become an approver in the Rs 200-crore money laundering case linked to conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The agency argued that Fernandez was not an unwitting victim but consciously accepted gifts derived from illicit funds, demonstrating active participation in the crime. Consequently, Fernandez withdrew her petition before the Delhi court. This development marks a significant legal setback for the actress, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of high-profile individuals involved in this extensive financial fraud investigation.
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Jacqueline Fernandez Withdraws Plea to Turn Approver in Sukesh Chandrashekhar Money Laundering Case
Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has withdrawn her plea to become an approver in the Rs 200-crore money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The withdrawal follows strong opposition from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which argued that Fernandez was not an unwitting victim but consciously enjoyed proceeds of crime. In its reply to the Patiala House Court, the ED stated that Fernandez maintained regular contact with Chandrashekhar even after knowing his criminal background and accepted gifts funded by illicit money for herself and her family. The agency asserted that her actions demonstrated a conscious disregard for the source of funds and active participation in money laundering. Chandrashekhar is accused of extorting money from Aditi Singh, wife of former Fortis Healthcare promoter Shivinder Singh, by posing as a government official. An approver is an accomplice who turns witness for the prosecution in exchange for a pardon under Section 306 of the CrPC. Fernandez had been named as a co-accused by the ED for allegedly benefiting from the extorted funds. This legal development marks a significant turn in the high-profile investigation linking celebrity figures to financial crimes in India.
The Indian ExpressED Opposes Jacqueline Fernandez's Bid to Become Government Witness in Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has strongly opposed Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez's petition to become a government witness in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case linked to convicted gangster Sukesh Chandrashekhar. In the Delhi Court, the ED argued that it possesses sufficient evidence against the actress, describing her conduct as suspicious. The agency asserted that Fernandez had full knowledge of Chandrashekhar's criminal background yet continued their relationship and accepted expensive gifts, including luxury cars and diamond jewelry. The ED further alleged that she utilized illicit funds for herself and her family, thereby deliberately ignoring the source of the money and participating in the laundering process. The agency contended that her claim of being a victim contradicts the available evidence and does not establish her innocence. This legal development marks a significant setback for Fernandez, who is currently on bail granted by the Delhi High Court. While Chandrashekhar continues to express affection from jail, the ED maintains that Fernandez was an active participant in the financial crimes rather than an unwitting accomplice, seeking time to file a detailed reply to solidify their stance against her approver request.
India Today | Latest StoriesED Opposes Jacqueline Fernandez's Plea to Turn Approver in Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally opposed actor Jacqueline Fernandez's application to become an approver in the Rs 200-crore money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. Fernandez, named as a co-accused for allegedly receiving gifts purchased with proceeds of crime, argued she was an unwitting victim. However, the ED contends that she maintained regular contact with Chandrasekhar even after learning of his criminal background, thereby consciously benefiting from illicit funds. The agency asserts that her actions demonstrate active participation in the money laundering scheme under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, rather than minor involvement. Consequently, the ED argues that granting her approver status would constitute a miscarriage of justice. The case originates from an extortion complaint filed by Delhi Police against Chandrasekhar for defrauding Aditi Singh. While the investigating agency has rejected the plea, the final decision rests with the court, which is scheduled to hear arguments on the matter. This development highlights the ongoing legal scrutiny faced by the Bollywood actress in connection with the high-profile financial fraud investigation.
The Indian ExpressED Opposes Jacqueline Fernandez's Plea to Turn Approver in Sukesh Chandrasekhar Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally opposed a plea filed by Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez to become an approver in the Rs 200-crore money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. The ED argues that Fernandez was not an unwitting victim, as claimed in her application, but rather maintained regular contact with Chandrasekhar despite knowing his criminal background. The agency asserts that she consciously accepted gifts and benefits derived from the proceeds of crime, thereby actively participating in the money laundering scheme under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ED contends that granting her approver status would constitute a miscarriage of justice given her role as a significant beneficiary. The case originates from an extortion complaint filed by Aditi Singh, who accused Chandrasekhar of cheating her out of millions by posing as a government official. While the investigating agency has rejected the plea, the final decision rests with the court, which is scheduled to hear arguments on the matter. This development highlights the ongoing legal scrutiny faced by high-profile individuals implicated in financial crimes linked to Chandrasekhar's extensive fraud network.
The Indian ExpressED Opposes Jacqueline Fernandez's Approver Plea in Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has opposed actor Jacqueline Fernandez's plea to become an approver in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. In submissions to a Delhi court, the central agency argued that sufficient evidence exists against Fernandez, contradicting her claim of being a victim. The ED asserted that Fernandez was fully aware of Chandrashekhar's criminal antecedents yet consciously chose to maintain their association and accept valuable gifts. The agency described her conduct as questionable and self-serving, alleging that she and her family members actively used and enjoyed the proceeds of crime. According to the ED, this behavior demonstrates a conscious disregard for the source of funds and indicates active participation in the money laundering process. The agency further stated that her status as a cooperating witness in the predicate offense does not absolve her of liability in this specific case. The ED has requested additional time to file a detailed response. Consequently, the matter remains pending before the Delhi court, marking a significant legal setback for the actress as the investigation continues.
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