A Delhi court has formally charged Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, and 15 other individuals in connection with a high-profile money laundering case involving approximately ₹200 crore. The court, in its order, stated that there is prima facie sufficient material on record to raise strong suspicion against all accused parties.
Court's Observation
The court remarked that the evidence gathered during the investigation points to the involvement of the accused in the laundering of illicit funds. It noted that the material on record is adequate to proceed with the trial, emphasizing that strong suspicion exists against each individual named in the chargesheet.
Accused and Allegations
Among the 17 accused are Jacqueline Fernandez, who has been questioned multiple times by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who is currently in judicial custody. The case stems from a ₹200 crore extortion and money laundering racket, where Chandrashekhar is alleged to have duped several high-profile individuals, including businesswomen and politicians. Fernandez is accused of accepting expensive gifts and monetary benefits from Chandrashekhar, which the ED claims were proceeds of crime.
Legal Proceedings
The charges were framed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 15, 2026, to commence the trial. The accused have been directed to remain present during the proceedings.
Reactions and Defense
Jacqueline Fernandez's legal team has maintained her innocence, stating that she was a victim of circumstances and had no knowledge of the source of the gifts. Sukesh Chandrashekhar's lawyers have also denied the allegations, claiming that the case is politically motivated.
Background
The Enforcement Directorate initiated the investigation after a criminal complaint was filed in 2022, alleging that Chandrashekhar had orchestrated a large-scale money laundering operation while in prison. The ED claims that he used the laundered money to purchase luxury items, including cars and jewelry, for Fernandez and others.
The case has garnered significant media attention due to the involvement of a Bollywood celebrity and the staggering amount of money involved. As the legal process unfolds, all eyes will be on the court's verdict in what is being termed one of the most high-profile money laundering cases in recent years.
