The Enforcement Directorate on Monday opposed actor Jacqueline Fernandez’s plea to become an approver in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, telling a Delhi court that her conduct during the investigation was “not satisfactory” and that she did not fully cooperate with the probe.

During the hearing at Patiala House Court, the ED argued that Jacqueline failed to make a “full and true disclosure” in her statements recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency claimed the actor consistently withheld information during the investigation into the high-profile money laundering case.

The federal probe agency also opposed Jacqueline Fernandez’s request to become a prosecution witness, alleging that she remained in contact with Chandrashekhar even after learning about his alleged criminal background.

According to the ED, all luxury gifts, valuables and benefits received by Jacqueline were allegedly arranged using proceeds of crime generated through Chandrashekhar’s money laundering activities. The agency has earlier accused the actor of receiving gifts worth around Rs 7 crore.

After hearing submissions from both sides, the court granted time to Jacqueline Fernandez’s legal team to file a rejoinder to the ED’s response. The matter has now been listed for further hearing on May 12.

ED further alleged that Chandrashekhar’s aide Pinky Irani facilitated the delivery of expensive gifts and luxury items to Jacqueline on his behalf.

However, Jacqueline Fernandez has repeatedly denied any involvement in money laundering and maintained that she had no knowledge of Chandrashekhar’s alleged criminal activities or the source of funds used for the gifts.

What is the Sukesh Chandrashekhar money laundering case?

The Rs 200 crore money laundering case stems from allegations that Sukesh Chandrashekhar cheated the wives of former Ranbaxy promoters Shivinder Singh and Malvinder Singh of nearly Rs 200 crore.

The ED has filed multiple charge sheets in the case and named Jacqueline Fernandez as an accused in a supplementary prosecution complaint. Actor Nora Fatehi was examined as a witness during the investigation.

Last year, the Supreme Court declined to entertain Jacqueline Fernandez’s plea seeking quashing of the money laundering proceedings initiated against her. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the actor, had argued that she could not be prosecuted under Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA because she was unaware that the gifts were allegedly linked to proceeds of crime.

The bench led by Justice Datta, however, referred to the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary judgment that upheld the ED’s powers under the anti-money laundering law and observed that allegations at the stage of framing charges must be accepted as presented.

With IANS inputs