Jacqueline Fernandez Withdraws Plea to Become Approver in Rs 200 Crore Money Laundering Case

In a significant turn of events, actor Jacqueline Fernandez has withdrawn her application to become an “approver” in the high-profile Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The withdrawal took place on Tuesday at the Patiala House Court in Delhi.

The move followed strong opposition from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which challenged the actor’s request for a pardon in exchange for cooperation with the prosecution.

ED Challenges “Innocent Participant” Claim

In its submission to Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma, the ED argued against granting Jacqueline approver status. The agency presented several key points to support its stance:

• Continued Communication: The ED alleged that the actor remained in constant touch with Sukesh even after learning about his criminal background and legal troubles.
• Proceeds of Crime: Investigators claimed that Jacqueline and her family continued to accept and enjoy luxury gifts and financial benefits allegedly sourced from extorted funds.
• Active Involvement: The agency stated that her prolonged interactions through various channels suggested a “conscious disregard” for the origin of the funds, rather than being an unaware participant.

Previously, the ED had dismissed her plea as “vague,” maintaining that her actions reflected active involvement in the laundering process.

Background of the Case

Jacqueline Fernandez is currently named as a co-accused in the case, which centers on a massive extortion racket.

The Extortion: Sukesh Chandrashekhar is accused of extorting Rs 200 crore from Aditi Singh (wife of former Fortis Healthcare promoter Shivinder Singh) by impersonating a high-ranking government official.

The Gifts: The ED alleges that the luxury items and cash provided to Jacqueline were part of the “proceeds of crime” generated from this extortion.

Legal Origin: The investigation was sparked by an August 2022 case filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police.

What is an “Approver”?

Under Section 306 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), an accused person can apply to become an approver. If the court grants this status, the individual receives a pardon in exchange for a full and honest disclosure regarding their own role and the roles of others involved in the crime.