Jacqueline Fernandez-Sukesh Chandrasekhar Case: Actor Denies Illicit Source Of Gifts

Jacqueline Fernandez's legal team argued in the Delhi High Court that she was unaware of the illegal source of the gifts she received, which are linked to a Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. The court, on Wednesday, November 13, heard parts of the arguments made on Jacqueline's behalf as she challenged the charge sheet in the case.

Jacqueline Fernandez Denies Knowing Illicit Origin Of Gifts From Conman Sukesh

Senior advocate Siddharth Agrawal, joined by Prashant Patil and Shakti Pandey, represented Jacqueline and emphasised, "It is also not the case of the ED that she was aware that gifts she received were part of the proceeds of crime." He explained that while there might have been an oversight on her part, it was not an unlawful one and therefore not punishable under the law.

Her lawyers stated that she had no involvement in money laundering and did not know that the gifts were connected to the alleged crime proceeds. During the hearing, Justice Anish Dayal posed a question, "Whether there is a duty upon an adult person to know the source of a gift one receives." The court scheduled further arguments for November 26.

In February, Jacqueline lodged a complaint against Sukesh, accusing him of harassment and threats, even while he was in jail. According to the Indian Express, she filed the case with Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and also sent a letter to the Special Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch). A specialised unit has been directed to launch a preliminary investigation into the complaint.

In a letter addressed to the police chief, Jacqueline expressed concerns about a "systemic failure in prosecution witness protection." She described herself as a responsible citizen inadvertently caught up in a case with significant implications for the rule of law and the judicial system's integrity. She detailed her ordeal of facing psychological pressure and targeted intimidation campaigns from an individual claiming to be Sukesh, who is currently incarcerated in Mandoli Jail. Urging immediate intervention, she emphasised the need for protection as a prosecution witness in a case under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) by registering an FIR against Sukesh under relevant IPC sections.

The actor earlier filed a petition with the Delhi High Court, aiming to dismiss a money laundering case in which she's implicated. The case involved an alleged Rs 200 crore extortion scheme with con artist Sukesh Chandrashekhar, and Fernandez is challenging the Enforcement Directorate's complaint and additional charge sheet naming her as an accused.

In the petition, Fernandez highlighted her role as a "prosecution witness" in the case filed by the Delhi Police, contending that this designation favours her case, potentially leading to a favourable outcome.

Jacqueline Fernandez Goes To Delhi HC

The argument put forth states that Jacqueline Fernandez had no awareness of the primary crime committed by the main accused, Sukesh Chandrashekhar, and his associates. The plea emphasises that Fernandez did not engage in any money laundering offence as per the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2020, nor was she in possession of any proceeds resulting from criminal activities.

The actor claimed to have received presents, including two Gucci gym suits and three costly bags from Chanel and Gucci, a pair of Louis Vuitton shoes, two sets of diamond stud earrings, two Hermes bracelets, and a bracelet made of a rainbow of coloured stones. Additionally, she was given a Mini Cooper, which she returned.

The plea highlights that the Enforcement Directorate's case outlines how Sukesh Chandrashekhar utilised deceitful tactics, posing as a high-ranking government official in a spoofed call to reach Jacqueline's makeup artist. Fernandez's plea also alleges that another accused, Pinky Irani, encouraged her connection with Chandrashekhar to spark a relationship.

During the investigation, it came to light that Pinky Irani allegedly received an offer of Rs 2 crore to introduce Jacqueline to Chandrashekhar. The plea indicates WhatsApp conversations where Irani allegedly misrepresented Chandrashekhar's identity and portrayed him as a free individual, sharing images of him aboard private jets, creating an impression of liberty.

Fernandez further asserts that the case against her by the Enforcement Directorate is based on “surmises and assumptions”, emphasising the lack of concrete evidence implicating her in any wrongdoing.