Jacqueline Fernandez Seeks Dismissal of Charges in Money Laundering Case
Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has requested the dismissal of charges filed against her in a money laundering case amounting to ₹200 crore, which involves the alleged con artist Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The Enforcement Directorate, responsible for investigating financial crimes, has opposed her plea, asserting that it lacks merit.
Jacqueline Fernandez is accused of being involved in money laundering activities, as per the investigations conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) of 2002. The Enforcement Directorate maintains that its probe into financial crimes is distinct from the investigations carried out by the police for scheduled offenses. They argue that the accused in money laundering cases may differ from those involved in the predicate offenses due to the unique nature of the crime.
Recently, the Delhi High Court requested the Enforcement Directorate to respond to Jacqueline Fernandez's petition seeking relief from the charges. Earlier, the Directorate had contested her plea, highlighting that she continued to accept gifts from Sukesh despite being aware of his criminal background.
Jacqueline Fernandez has criticized the Enforcement Directorate, accusing them of inconsistency in their approach. She pointed out instances where other individuals allegedly connected to the case, such as Aditi Singh, Nora Fatehi, Nikita Tamboli, Chahatt Khanna, and Sophyia Singh, have not been charged despite their involvement. She argues that singling her out reflects bias and malicious intent in the investigation.
In a related development, the Economic Offense Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has also filed a supplementary chargesheet against Pinky Irani, a Mumbai-based individual believed to be closely associated with Sukesh Chandrashekhar. Irani is said to have introduced Chandrashekhar to Jacqueline Fernandez.
The case underscores the complexities and legal intricacies surrounding allegations of financial crimes in the entertainment industry. Jacqueline Fernandez's plea for the dismissal of charges highlights the legal battle she faces in clearing her name amidst a high-profile investigation.