The Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez’s request to become an approver in a Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The agency informed the court that Jacqueline’s cooperation during the investigation was unsatisfactory, citing her alleged failure to provide full disclosure. The ED stated that Jacqueline did not fully cooperate and failed to disclose information related to the alleged proceeds of crime.
The ED contended that Jacqueline’s conduct was uncooperative as she consistently withheld information regarding the funds generated by Chandrashekhar. Additionally, the agency accused Jacqueline of maintaining contact with Chandrashekhar despite knowing about his criminal background. Chandrashekhar allegedly provided Jacqueline with various benefits and gifts using the proceeds of crime from the money laundering activities.
The Patiala House Court granted Jacqueline’s counsel time to respond to the ED’s opposition and scheduled a further hearing for May 12. Jacqueline is accused of receiving luxury gifts worth approximately Rs 7 crore from Chandrashekhar. She has denied any knowledge of his criminal activities or the source of the funds for the gifts. Last year, the Supreme Court rejected Jacqueline’s plea to quash the ED’s money laundering proceedings against her.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued on Jacqueline’s behalf, stating that she was unaware that the gifts were linked to criminal proceeds. The ED has filed multiple charge sheets in the case, naming Jacqueline as an accused in a supplementary prosecution complaint. Nora Fatehi, another Bollywood actor, was examined as a witness in the investigation. The case revolves around allegations that Chandrashekhar defrauded the wives of former Ranbaxy promoters of nearly Rs 200 crore.
Jacqueline Fernandez, a 40-year-old Sri Lankan actress who rose to fame in Bollywood after winning the Miss Universe Sri Lanka title in 2006, has been a prominent figure in Hindi cinema for over a decade. She has also appeared in music videos and reality shows.
