Jacqueline Fernandez has withdrawn her bid to become an approver in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case tied to Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The actor's move comes as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) mounted opposition to her plea, detailing alleged continued contact with the accused despite awareness of his criminal history.
The Enforcement Directorate argued that Fernandez was not merely an unwitting party but a "significant beneficiary" of the alleged proceeds of crime, enjoying gifts and benefits arranged by Chandrashekhar. This sustained engagement, even after knowledge of his past, fundamentally challenged her narrative of victimhood and cooperation.
Court Submissions Detail ED's Objections
The ED formally lodged its objection to Fernandez's application on Monday, May 12th, presenting arguments before Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma at Patiala House Court. Agency submissions asserted that Fernandez remained in "regular and sustained contact" with Chandrashekhar, receiving "benefits, gifts and articles" directly from the 'proceeds of crime'. This, the ED contends, shows a "conscious disregard for the source of funds" and active participation in money laundering. Allowing her to become an approver, the agency stated, would represent a "miscarriage of justice" and diminish the seriousness of the alleged offences.
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The ED further claimed Fernandez failed to provide complete and candid disclosures during her five statements recorded under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, alleging her cooperation was limited. Her defense had previously argued for her victim status, a claim the ED's filings directly refuted, labelling it "self-serving and contrary to the evidence on record."
Case Background
The case centers on allegations that Sukesh Chandrashekhar defrauded individuals of Rs 200 crore. Chandrashekhar, the primary accused, is alleged to have duped the spouses of former Ranbaxy promoters, Shivinder Singh and Malvinder Singh, among others. The ED's investigation into money laundering implicated Fernandez, who has maintained her innocence regarding the laundering of illegal wealth. The ED has previously alleged that Fernandez received luxury gifts valued at approximately Rs 7 crore from Chandrashekhar, with his aide, Pinky Irani, reportedly facilitating these deliveries.
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