Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez is once again in the headlines because of her alleged links with conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. A Delhi court has now ordered that charges be framed against her in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case.
What did the court say?
Jacqueline has always said that she was a victim and did not know about Sukesh’s criminal activities. But the court observed that there was enough material on record to raise a strong suspicion that she may have accepted expensive gifts even after knowing about his background.
How is Jacqueline alleged to be involved?
According to the report, Jacqueline is said to have received gifts worth Rs 5.71 crore from Sukesh. She is also accused of helping hide money linked to the crime by transferring funds to the foreign bank accounts of her sister and brother. These transfers were reportedly around $172,000 to her sister and Australian $26,000 to her brother.
Where does the case stand now?
The Delhi Court has said there is enough prima facie evidence to move forward in the case. It also noted that Jacqueline allegedly showed connivance in hiding the proceeds of crime, including a car gifted to her parents.
The court made this observation during the recent hearing in the money laundering case. Based on the material presented, it was decided that charges should be framed against Jacqueline Fernandez under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
However, this does not mean she has been proven guilty. It only means the court believes there is enough evidence to begin formal proceedings against her. The case also includes several other accused, including Sukesh Chandrasekhar, Leena Maria Paul, and others.