Jacqueline Fernandez Withdraws Approver Plea in Rs 200 Crore Case

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez withdrew her application to become an approver in a Rs 200 crore money laundering case on Tuesday at Patiala House Court in Delhi. The decision followed the Enforcement Directorate's opposition to her plea the previous day.

Fernandez had sought permission to cooperate with the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, claiming she was a victim in the case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar. Her counsel confirmed the withdrawal during the hearing before Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma.

The ED, in its response filed on Monday, argued that Fernandez played an active role rather than a minor one. Officials from the agency stated she was a significant beneficiary of proceeds of crime, receiving expensive gifts, luxury items, and financial benefits allegedly sourced from Chandrashekar's illicit activities. The ED emphasized that she maintained regular contact with Chandrashekar even after learning of his criminal background, describing this as a conscious association that negated her victim claim.

Agency submissions further highlighted Fernandez's lack of cooperation during questioning under Section 50 of...