Actor Jacqueline Fernandez’s request to become an approver in the Rs 200-crore money laundering case involving conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar was rejected by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday.
Last month, Jacqueline Fernandez filed an application to become a prosecution witness in exchange for possible leniency. She has continuously insisted that she was an innocent victim who was duped and was unaware that the opulent presents she was given came from criminal earnings.
In its reply to the actor’s plea before Patiala House Court, ED claimed that there was enough evidence against Jacqueline and that her actions throughout the probe were improper.
According to the central agency, Jacqueline is a major benefactor of the “proceeds of crime” and an active participant in the money laundering plan under the PMLA, 2002.
In response to the actor’s plea, ED argued that “granting her the position of an approver in the present case would be a miscarriage of justice and would undermine the gravity of the offence she has committed.”
Any charged person may be made an approver by ED as per the powers granted to the agency.
Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Prashant Sharma has asked Fernandez’s attorney to respond by Tuesday at 4 p.m.
In response, the ED stated that despite being aware of Sukesh Chandrashekhar’s criminal past and the fact that the gifts, benefits, and items supplied for her were from the “proceeds of crime,” Jacqueline continued to have regular and consistent contact with him.
According to the ED, her regular interactions with Sukesh and acceptance of benefits refute any allegation that she was a “unwitting victim” and instead demonstrate her deliberate connection to Sukesh and his illegal earnings.
Jacqueline’s behaviour during the investigation has been far from cooperative, according to the central investigating agency, as she neglected to make true disclosures in her statements.
On April 17, the Patiala House court sent ED a notice on Jacqueline’s request to become the case’s approver.
According to ED, Jacqueline first concealed or denied important information about cash transactions with Advaita Kala, the receipt of expensive presents and luxury items, money moved to the bank accounts associated with her relationship with Pinki Irani, and other matters.
“The very foundation of the approver scheme under law is undermined by this willful concealment of facts and non-cooperation.”
As a result, her assertion that she is a “victim” is self-serving, goes against the available evidence, and does not release her from responsibility in the money laundering case.
Essential Business Intelligence,
Continuous LIVE TV,
Sharp Market Insights,
Practical Personal Finance Advice and
Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.