Home / Crime and Justice / Actor Turns Witness in Sukesh Chandrasekhar Money Laundering Probe
Actor Turns Witness in Sukesh Chandrasekhar Money Laundering Probe
17 Apr
Summary
- Actress seeks to become approver in Rs 200 crore money laundering case.
- Court permits Jacqueline Fernandes to travel to Dubai and Sri Lanka.
- ED case involves alleged gifts purchased with proceeds of crime.
Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandes has formally sought to become an approver in the ongoing Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. Reports indicated on Friday that Fernandes moved the Patiala House Court in Delhi to gain this status. The court has since issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), requesting a reply on April 20.
Her legal counsel informed the court about her willingness to cooperate fully with investigators. This move could significantly impact the prosecution's case, potentially strengthening it against other defendants. Fernandes has been named as an accused in the ED's investigation, with allegations that she received costly gifts bought using illicit funds.
The actor has maintained her innocence, stating she was misled by Sukesh Chandrasekhar and was unaware of the source of the gifts. The money laundering probe originated from claims that Chandrasekhar and associates extorted Rs 200 crore from the wife of a former Ranbaxy promoter. The ED launched its own investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
In a separate development, the court also granted Fernandes permission for travel. She is authorized to visit Dubai, Sri Lanka, and Kyrgyzstan from April 24 to May 25. The ED's response to her approver application is highly anticipated as the case proceeds at the Patiala House Court.
