Pinki Irani Who Introduced Jacqueline Fernandez To Conman Granted Bail

Sukesh Chandrasekhar's close aide, Pinki Irani, has been granted bail by the Patiala House Court in Delhi. It is allegedly that Irani introduced the conman, Chandrasekhar, to actor Jacqueline Fernandez, who reportedly gifted her expensive presents. The actor was also called by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in the case.

Irani was arrested by ED on December 9, 2021. The arrest was made in relation to the Rs 200 crore money laundering case for which Chandrasekhar was arrested last year. He had allegedly duped a woman named Aditi S Singh of Rs 200 crore under the pretext of securing bail for her husband.

On February 15, 2022, the Additional Sessions Judge Parveen Singh passed an order stating that since the accused is a woman of advanced age and once the investigation is completed and the evidence collected, there is no possibility that she will be able to tamper with the evidence. Thus, Pinki Irani got bail on furnishing Rs One Lakh with one surety.

Suggested Reading: A Timeline Of Jacqueline Fernandez-Sukesh Chandrasekhar Controversy

Irani was represented by advocate RK Handoo, who stated that nowhere has it been alleged that Irani helped or assisted Chandrasekhar with the crime. The advocate further argued that Irani has already been interrogated and recoveries from her have been made. Thus section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is not applicable.

Pinki Irani: Sukesh Chandrasekhar Close Aide?

Advocate Handoo said, "The whole case is based on statements which will be testified during the course of the trial." Although, last week, the ED filed a charge sheet against Irani in front of the trial court and the cognizance of the matter was taken immediately.

According to the ED, Irani had introduced Chandrasekhar to Fernandez and the two were questioned on how they knew each other and whether Pinki helped Chandrasekhar.

Two Bollywood actors Fernandez and Nora Fatehi were questioned by the ED in connection with the case. Four of Chandrasekhar's associates and wife Leena Maria Paul were also arrested in relation to the case by Delhi Police on September 6, last year.

It was alleged that the incident took place when Chandrasekhar was behind bars at Rohini Jail in Delhi in 2020. He has sent both the actors expensive gifts. A lawyer representing Fernandez had said that she is being called to testify and "has recorded her statement with the agency."

Last year, a picture of her and Chandrasekhar surfaced where he is seen kissing her on the cheek while taking a mirror selfie. On October 24, Chandrasekhar's lawyer told media that they were dating and that the instructions to say this in public came "straight from the horse's mouth."

However, this was denied by Fernandez  in a statement, which called it "alleged slanderous statements."