Jacqueline Fernandez summoned by ED today in money laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned actor Jacqueline Fernandez for a fresh round of questioning on Wednesday in a money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, official sources said.

The 38-year-old Sri Lankan origin Bollywood actor has been questioned by the federal agency in the past in this case that pertains to alleged cheating of high-profile people, including former Fortis Healthcare promoter Shivinder Mohan Singh’s wife Aditi Singh to the tune of about Rs 200 crore.

The ED had alleged that Chandrashekhar used these “proceeds of crime” or illegal money to purchase gifts for Fernandez.

It had said in a charge sheet filed in 2022 that the actor was “enjoying valuables, jewellery and costly gifts provided by Chandrashekhar despite knowing about his criminal antecedents.” Fernandez has been questioned at least five times by the ED in this case earlier.

The actor has always said she was innocent and had no knowledge of Chandrashekhar’s alleged criminal activities.

Earlier, In line with the plea filed by Fernandes, ED has claimed that the actress never revealed the truth and instead concealed facts, until confronted with evidence.

“She continues to hold back the truth even till date. It is also a fact that Fernandez wiped out the entire data from her mobile phone after the arrest of Chandrasekhar , thereby tampering with the evidence. She also asked her colleagues to destroy the evidence. Evidence proves beyond doubt that she had been enjoying, using and is in possession of proceeds of crime. Thus, it is proved that Fernandez was knowingly involved in the possession and use of proceeds of crime of accused Chandrasekhar,” the affidavit reads as quoted by a News18 report.

The agency also stated that Jacqueline in her initial statements tried to cover up her conduct by making herself a victim, however failed to provide me substantial material to establish the same. It said that she was aware of Chandrashekhar’s criminal antecedents and still continues to enjoy and possess proceeds of crime for herself and even her family.

With PTI inputs