Jacqueline Fernandez was reportedly linked to conman Sukesh Chandrashekar in the Rs.200 crore money laundering case, has claimed that she was unaware of the illicit origin of the lavish gifts and was not involved in any money laundering.
According to ANI, the Delhi High Court recently reviewed arguments from Jacqueline Fernandez’s counsel, who is contesting the charge sheet filed against her in a money laundering case. Her lawyers argued that Jacqueline had no involvement in any money laundering activities and was unaware that the gifts she received were connected to alleged criminal proceeds.
During the hearing, Justice Anish Dayal questioned whether an adult bears the responsibility to ascertain the source of the gifts they receive. The case is set to continue with further hearings on November 26.
Senior advocate Siddharth Agrawal, representing Jacqueline Fernandez, argued that she was unaware the gifts allegedly given to her by Sukesh Chandrashekar were purchased using funds extorted from Aditi Singh. Agrawal stressed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has not indicated that Fernandez knowingly accepted proceeds of crime.
The lawyer further argued that while there may have been an oversight on her part, it does not constitute a criminal omission and therefore is not actionable under the law.
Meanwhile, the ED contends that Fernandez failed to investigate a 2019 newspaper article about Sukesh Chandrashekar’s activities. However, her defence maintains that the article is not admissible as evidence.
On the other hand, Fernandez’s legal team argued that she was misled by co-accused Pinky Irani, who portrayed Sukesh Chandrashekar as someone with strong political connections and influence.
Fernandez’s lawyers stated that the ‘Kick’ actress had cut off communication with Sukesh after becoming aware of the article and remained unaware that the gifts she received were linked to any criminal activity. They maintain that she had no role in money laundering.
On the work front, Jacqueline Fernandez will be next seen in ‘Housefull 5The film is directed by Tarun Mansukhani and stars Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Nana Patekar, Chitrangda Singh, among others. It is set for release in June 2025.