Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez appeared in Delhi's Patiala House Court yesterday in connection with a 200 crore extortion and money laundering case. During the hearing, she denied all allegations against her in front of the judge. After the court proceedings, she left without speaking to the media.
The case revolves around notorious fraudster Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who is accused of extorting 200 crore from the wife of a top businessman while in prison. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) claims that a significant portion of this money was spent by Sukesh on Fernandez and her family. According to ED's information, Sukesh gifted Fernandez luxury cars, branded bags, expensive jewelry, and valuable pets worth crores of rupees.
ED has also charged Fernandez in their chargesheet, alleging that she was aware of Sukesh's criminal past and the source of his money, yet continued to accept valuable gifts from him. Fernandez's lawyers, however, claim that the actress is completely innocent and a victim of Sukesh's conspiracy. They argue that Fernandez believed Sukesh to be an ordinary businessman and developed a relationship with him based on that understanding.
The court has directed charges to be framed against the main accused Sukesh Chandrashekhar, his wife Leena Maria Paul, and 14 others. All accused have pleaded not guilty and sought a fair trial. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 16.
