Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez’s legal troubles are far from over. On Wednesday, a Delhi court formally framed charges against her and alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case. The actress, who has been under the scanner for her alleged links to the conman, was present in court along with other accused.
Court Frames Charges in ED and Delhi Police Cases
Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma framed charges against Chandrashekar, Jacqueline, and 15 others in the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering case. In a separate matter investigated by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell, the court also framed charges against Chandrashekar and 20 other accused under various provisions, including the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). All accused pleaded not guilty and opted to face trial. This development follows two orders passed by the court on May 30, where it concluded there was sufficient prima facie material to proceed against the accused.
In the ED case, the court observed that the accused persons “have to be charged with the offence of money laundering under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, punishable under Section 4 of the PMLA.” In the Delhi Police case, the court directed charges against Chandrashekar for offences including impersonating a public servant, extortion, cheating, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, and violations under the Information Technology Act. He was also charged under MCOCA provisions relating to organised crime and possession of disproportionate wealth linked to an organised crime syndicate.
The Allegations Against Jacqueline and Sukesh
According to the ED, Jacqueline remained in regular contact with Chandrashekar and allegedly received expensive gifts through his associate Pinky Irani. The agency claims that Chandrashekar operated a sophisticated criminal network from inside prison, posing as senior government officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Law and Justice. Using spoofed calls and encrypted communication platforms, he allegedly deceived complainant Aditi Singh and her family into transferring large sums of money.
The ED alleges that Chandrashekar generated proceeds of crime exceeding Rs 200 crore through extortion, impersonation, cheating, and criminal intimidation before laundering the funds with the help of his associates. The Delhi Police case originated from a complaint filed by Aditi Singh, who alleged that she received a phone call on June 15, 2020, from a person claiming to be a senior official in the Union Law Ministry. The caller allegedly offered assistance in resolving legal issues concerning her husband and her companies.
According to investigators, the accused subsequently orchestrated an elaborate conspiracy by impersonating high-ranking government officials and allegedly extorted approximately Rs 217 crore from Singh and her family over multiple transactions. Following technical surveillance and investigation, police identified Chandrashekar as the alleged mastermind behind the operation. At the time, he was already lodged in Delhi’s Rohini Jail in connection with another high-profile case involving allegations that he accepted money from AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dinakaran while falsely claiming he could help retain the party’s iconic “two leaves” election symbol.
What’s Next for Jacqueline?
With charges formally framed, the case now moves to trial. Jacqueline and the other accused have pleaded not guilty, meaning the court will now hear evidence from both sides. The actress has maintained her innocence throughout the investigation, and her legal team is expected to fight the charges. Meanwhile, Chandrashekar remains at the center of multiple investigations, including the AIADMK symbol case. The road ahead is long, but for Jacqueline, the spotlight is now on the courtroom rather than the red carpet.