Jacqueline Fernandez faces fresh setback as Delhi court orders charges in Rs 200 crore extortion case

A Delhi court on Saturday ordered the framing of charges against alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, actor Jacqueline Fernandez and several others in the high profile Rs 200 crore extortion and money laundering case.

Special Judge Prashant Sharma of the Patiala House Courts directed that charges be framed under provisions related to organised crime, cheating and impersonation. The matter stems from a case registered by the Delhi Police Crime Branch. The court has summoned all accused persons on June 3 for the formal framing of charges. A detailed order is yet to be released.

According to the Enforcement Directorate, the case originates from a Delhi Police FIR filed in August 2021. Investigators have alleged that Chandrasekhar and his associates extorted around Rs 200 crore from Aditi Singh, wife of former Ranbaxy promoter Shivender Singh, during 2020 and 2021.

The agency claims that Chandrasekhar posed as a senior government official and promised assistance in securing bail for Shivender Singh. The money allegedly obtained through the scheme was later routed through multiple shell companies and financial transactions. The ED has also alleged that a portion of the funds was used to purchase luxury gifts and other assets.

In its supplementary prosecution complaint filed in August 2022, the agency named Jacqueline Fernandez as an accused. The complaint alleged that she possessed proceeds of crime in the form of gifts valued at more than Rs 7 crore.

Fernandez has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Her legal team has maintained that she had no knowledge of Chandrasekhar’s alleged criminal activities and lacked any criminal intent.

Earlier this month, the ED opposed Fernandez’s request to become an approver in the case. The agency argued that she had benefited from the alleged proceeds of crime and should continue to face prosecution. The investigation has so far named multiple accused persons, including intermediary Pinky Irani, who allegedly introduced Chandrasekhar to Fernandez.

Meanwhile, Chandrasekhar secured bail earlier this year in a separate Enforcement Directorate case linked to the AIADMK two leaves election symbol matter. Reports suggest that out of 31 cases registered against him, Chandrasekhar has obtained bail in 27. The extortion case and related money laundering proceedings remain among the matters still pending before courts.