Delhi HC Orders Charges Against Jacqueline Fernandez, Sukesh Chandrashekhar And 15 Others In Rs 200 Cr Money Laundering Case

Jacqueline Fernandez is set to face trial in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. In a significant development, the Delhi HC on Saturday ordered the framing of charges against Jacqueline, Sukesh and 15 other accused, observing that sufficient material exists to raise a strong suspicion against them. The formal charges will be framed on June 3, following which the trial will begin.

Delhi HC Orders Charges Against Jacqueline Fernandez

Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma directed the court to frame charges against all the accused under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which carries punishment under Section 4 of the Act. The court’s order marks the next major stage in one of the country’s most high-profile money laundering investigations.

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The case stems from allegations that Sukesh Chandrashekhar operated a large extortion racket while lodged in jail. Investigating agencies allege that he impersonated senior government officials and used a network of associates to extort money from wealthy individuals, including businesswoman Aditi Singh and her family.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) named Jacqueline Fernandez as an accused in a supplementary chargesheet after its investigation linked her to the case. According to the ED, the actress remained in regular contact with Sukesh and allegedly received expensive gifts through intermediary Pinky Irani.

Earlier this month, Jacqueline withdrew her plea seeking to become an approver in the case. The ED opposed her request, arguing that she continued communicating with Sukesh even after learning about his alleged criminal background.

The agency has maintained that Jacqueline was not an unwitting victim. According to the ED, she knowingly accepted luxury gifts and financial benefits allegedly purchased using proceeds of crime. The agency further alleged that some of these benefits extended to her family members as well.

What Did ED State?

The ED has argued that Jacqueline’s claim of being a victim does not align with the evidence gathered during the investigation. Investigators have cited digital records, financial transactions and communication data as part of the material relied upon in the case.

Apart from Jacqueline and Sukesh, the court’s order also covers several other accused, including Sukesh’s wife Leena Maria Paul, Pinky Irani and multiple alleged associates who investigators claim assisted in the movement and concealment of illicit funds.

According to the prosecution, Sukesh Chandrashekhar and his associates allegedly generated more than Rs 200 crore through extortion, cheating, impersonation and criminal intimidation. Investigators claim they subsequently routed the money through bank accounts, shell companies, hawala channels and cash transactions to disguise its origin.

The ED’s investigation involved multiple searches and the collection of extensive evidence, including bank records, forensic reports, mobile phone data, WhatsApp chats, Telegram messages and witness statements.

Sukesh Chandrashekhar was first arrested by Delhi Police in 2017 in connection with the alleged attempt to influence the Election Commission’s decision in the AIADMK “two leaves” symbol case involving then-party leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran. The ED later arrested him in 2021 as the money laundering investigation expanded.

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Also Read: Jacqueline Fernandez Faces Setback In Rs 200 Cr Money Laundering Case; ED Opposes Plea To Turn Approver For Sukesh Chandrasekhar

Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.