In a significant development in the ongoing ₹200 crore money laundering case, Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has denied any knowledge of the illicit origin of the gifts she received from conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. During a Wednesday hearing at the Delhi High Court, Fernandez’s counsel argued that the actress was unaware that the lavish gifts, including designer bags and expensive accessories, were allegedly bought with extorted money.
The case revolves around Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who is accused of running a massive extortion racket involving high-profile figures, including actress Jacqueline Fernandez. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has charged Fernandez with money laundering, alleging that she received these gifts as part of the proceeds from a crime. However, Jacqueline’s defence team, led by senior advocate Siddharth Agrawal, argued that there was no evidence to suggest she was involved in the criminal activities linked to Sukesh Chandrasekhar.
In the court hearing, Justice Anish Dayal questioned whether an individual has a legal duty to inquire about the source of gifts they receive. The judge’s question raises a crucial point in the case: whether Jacqueline Fernandez, as an adult, had a responsibility to verify the origin of the gifts. The actor’s legal team responded by claiming that her omission to investigate the source was not illegal and did not make her complicit in any criminal act.
Jacqueline Fernandez’s counsel emphasized that the actress was unaware of the connection between Sukesh Chandrasekhar and the criminal activities from which the gifts were allegedly sourced. The legal team further argued that while Jacqueline Fernandez had come across a newspaper article about Sukesh Chandrasekhar in February 2019, the article was not evidence and did not provide conclusive proof that she knew the gifts were proceeds of crime.
The Delhi High Court has listed the case for further arguments on November 26. Jacqueline Fernandez’s defense continues to challenge the charge sheet filed against her, with the actor maintaining that she was unaware of any illegal activities surrounding the gifts she received.
As the case progresses, all eyes remain on the legal proceedings, as the court evaluates whether Jacqueline Fernandez can be held responsible for receiving the gifts, despite her claims of ignorance regarding their illicit origins.
Conclusion:
Jacqueline Fernandez has denied any involvement in the ₹200 crore money laundering case, asserting that she was unaware of the illicit source of the gifts from Sukesh Chandrasekhar. As the case continues, the Delhi High Court will further examine the evidence and arguments on November 26, determining whether the actress can be absolved of any wrongdoing.
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