ED hearing the plea of Sri Lankan origin Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez of Monday said the actress was fully aware of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar’s criminal background, yet chose to continue her association with him, accepted expensive gifts, and enjoyed part of the illegally acquired money. The central agency said her claims of being a victim was contrary to the evidence that surfaced during the investigation.
Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma of the Patiala House Court directed Fernandez to file her response to the ED’s objections and scheduled the matter for further hearing on May 12.
The ED said, “Jacqueline was well aware of the criminal antecedents of the main accused, Sukesh. Despite this knowledge of his real identity and criminal background, she chose to continue her association with him and accept valuable benefits, use and enjoy the ‘proceeds of crime’ for herself and her family members, clearly demonstrating a conscious disregard for the source of the funds and actively participating in the laundering process”.
The agency further revealed that Fernandez and her family member allegedly gained benefits from the proceeds of the crime despite being aware of the source. During the proceedings, ED claimed that the actress remained in ‘regular and sustained’ contact despite being aware of his criminal background.
The ED also alleged that Chandrashekhar had “carefully arranged” expensive gifts and other benefits for Fernandez using money generated through criminal activities.
The rejection followed Jacqueline’ plea to turn approver in the case month after the Supreme court denied quashing criminal proceedings against her. The actor has been accused of receiving luxury gifts from Chandrashekhar, with whom she was reportedly in a relationship.
Chandrashekar is accused of impersonating a senior govt officer allegedly connected to the PMO and the Union Ministry to cheat a businesswoman of nearly Rs 200 crore 8months ago.
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