In a significant development in the high-profile Rs 200 crore money laundering case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday formally opposed Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez’s application to become an approver. The federal agency informed a Delhi court that the actor was not an “unwitting victim” as she claimed, but rather an active participant who enjoyed the proceeds of crime.
The plea, filed by Fernandez last month, sought to grant her immunity from prosecution in exchange for turning a witness against the primary accused, alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. However, in a strongly worded response filed before Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma at the Patiala House Court, the ED argued that granting her such status would be a “miscarriage of justice.”
The central agency contended that Fernandez’s conduct during the investigation has been far from cooperative. According to the ED, the actor consistently failed to make full and truthful disclosures in her recorded statements. The agency alleged that she initially concealed vital information regarding cash transactions, expensive gifts, and luxury items received from Chandrashekhar. It was only when confronted with documentary evidence that some of these facts came to light.
The ED further stated that Fernandez remained in “regular and sustained” contact with Chandrashekhar even after his criminal background and real identity were made public. The agency argued that her continued association with him, despite being aware of his antecedents, highlights a conscious disregard for the source of the funds used to purchase the lavish gifts she received.
The prosecution’s response highlighted that Chandrashekhar had “carefully arranged” benefits and valuables for the actor and her family members using money generated through criminal activities. The ED maintains that since Fernandez was a “significant beneficiary” of these proceeds, she cannot be treated as a minor participant in the laundering operation.
The agency’s report detailed several instances where the proceeds of crime were allegedly used, including:
Luxury designer bags and clothes, High-end watches and jewelry Funds transferred to the bank accounts of her siblings living abroad and Vehicles purchased for her parents in Bahrain.
Jacqueline Fernandez has consistently maintained her innocence, stating that she was duped by Chandrashekhar, who reportedly introduced himself as a high-ranking government official or a member of a prominent political family. Her legal team has argued that she had no knowledge that the gifts were linked to any illegal activity.
This latest move by the ED follows previous setbacks for the actor. Last year, the Delhi High Court dismissed her petition to quash the money laundering proceedings against her, a decision that was later upheld by the Supreme Court.
The Patiala House Court has now granted Fernandez’s legal counsel time to file a rejoinder to the ED’s objections. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 12, where the court will decide whether the actor should be allowed to testify as a prosecution witness or continue to face trial as an accused.
The underlying case involves allegations that Sukesh Chandrashekhar cheated the wives of former Ranbaxy promoters, Aditi Singh and Japna Singh, of roughly Rs 200 crore while he was lodged in Rohini jail by impersonating senior government officials. To
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