Jacqueline Fernandez Withdraws Approver Plea in Sukesh Chandrashekhar Money Laundering Case

Actor Jacqueline Fernandez on Tuesday withdrew her plea seeking to become an approver in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar , after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) strongly opposed her request before a Delhi court.

Special Judge Prashant Sharma of Patiala House Court allowed the withdrawal and observed, “ After hearing arguments, the present application is disposed of as withdrawn. The accused is at liberty to exercise her rights as per the law. ”

Jacqueline’s counsel told the court that the ED had not properly considered her earlier request and that she would submit a fresh representation before higher authorities so her plea could be examined “ in the right perspective ”.

Opposing the plea, the ED argued that the actor was not an innocent victim but a “ significant beneficiary ” and an “ active participant ” in the alleged laundering operation. The agency stated, “ The applicant remained in regular and sustained contact with Sukesh Chandrashekhar even after having knowledge of his criminal antecedents. ”

According to the ED, Chandrashekhar allegedly used proceeds of crime to buy luxury gifts, jewellery, designer bags, luxury cars and exotic pets for Jacqueline and her family members. The agency further alleged that she knowingly enjoyed benefits derived from illegally acquired money.

The ED also told the court that Jacqueline’s claim of being a victim was “ self-serving and contrary to the evidence on record ” and argued that granting her approver status could result in a “ miscarriage of justice ”.

The case originates from allegations that Chandrashekhar cheated Aditi Singh, wife of former Religare promoter Shivinder Singh, of over Rs 200 crore while posing as a senior government official and promising help in legal matters. The Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing first investigated the case before the ED initiated its money laundering probe.

Jacqueline was earlier named as an accused in a supplementary chargesheet filed by the ED, while both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court declined to quash proceedings against her.