Jacqueline Knew Everything, Yet Continued Accepting Expensive Gifts from Sukesh: ED Tells Court

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed its response to the petition submitted by actress Jacqueline Fernandez, in which she sought permission to turn approver (government witness) against Sukesh Chandrashekhar, the accused in a ₹200 crore fraud case. The central investigative agency has stated that there is sufficient evidence against Jacqueline. The ED further asserted that her claim of being a victim stands contrary to the available evidence, which indicates that she was fully aware of Sukesh's criminal background.

The ED informed the court that the actress was cognizant of Sukesh's criminal activities; despite knowing his true identity and history, she not only maintained contact with him but also continued to accept expensive gifts. Jacqueline recently filed a petition in a Delhi court, seeking permission to turn approver in the ₹200 crore money laundering case linked to the alleged conman, Sukesh Chandrashekhar. Fernandez was named as an accused for the first time in the supplementary chargesheet filed by the agency, and the ED has summoned her multiple times in connection with the ongoing investigation.

What About the Closeness Between Jacqueline and Sukesh?

A few months ago, the Supreme Court refused to quash the criminal proceedings initiated against Jacqueline. The incarcerated Chandrashekhar claims that he was the actress's boyfriend. Several photographs of the duo also surfaced, suggesting a close relationship between the two. Conversely, Jacqueline maintains that Sukesh had told her he was a businessman. Sukesh has periodically written letters to Jacqueline from jail, in which he expresses his love for the actress and alludes to the relationship shared between them.

What Are the Allegations Against Sukesh?

The Delhi Police had registered a case against Chandrashekhar for allegedly defrauding the wives of former Ranbaxy promoters—Shivinder Singh and Malvinder Singh—of ₹200 crore. Investigations into several other cases against him are also underway across the country. Chandrashekhar and his wife, Leena Paulose—who are facing proceedings in this money laundering case—were arrested by the Delhi Police along with other co-accused individuals. The police have also invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) in this case. Pauloz and Chandrashekhar are alleged to have colluded with other accused individuals to utilize the 'Hawala' system and set up shell companies to launder funds acquired through criminal activity.