New Delhi, May 31, 2026 — In a significant development in one of India’s most high-profile financial fraud cases, a Delhi court has ordered the framing of charges against Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez in a ₹200 crore money laundering investigation linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.
The Patiala House Court in Delhi formally directed the framing of charges against Jacqueline Fernandez, Sukesh Chandrashekhar, his wife Leena Maria Paul, and approximately 15 other individuals on Friday. The charges are scheduled to be officially signed on June 3, 2026, marking the case’s progression into the trial stage.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed a supplementary prosecution complaint against the actress, accusing her of receiving and using proceeds of crime. According to the agency, Fernandez allegedly benefited from luxury gifts and items worth over ₹7 crore, which were allegedly funded through the extortion racket.
Background of the Case
The case originates from an alleged extortion scam between 2020 and 2021, in which Sukesh Chandrashekhar and his associates reportedly duped Aditi Singh — wife of former Ranbaxy promoter Shivender Singh — of nearly ₹200 crore. The accused allegedly impersonated senior government officials, including making spoofed calls from high-profile offices, promising to secure bail for her husband in exchange for large sums of money.
The ED later registered a money laundering case based on a Delhi Police FIR. Investigators claim that the illicit funds were used for purchasing luxury items, gifts, and other benefits for associates, including Fernandez.
Importantly, Jacqueline Fernandez is not named as an accused in the original extortion case filed by Delhi Police. Her involvement is limited to the ED’s money laundering probe.
Jacqueline’s Stand
Fernandez has maintained that she was unaware of Sukesh Chandrashekhar’s criminal activities at the time and was misled. She has been summoned by the ED multiple times for questioning. In April 2026, she had approached the court seeking to become an approver (state witness) in the case, but the Enforcement Directorate strongly opposed the plea, describing her as an “active participant” who continued contact with the accused even after learning about his background.
Current Status
With the charges now framed, the court will proceed with the trial. The case has garnered massive public and media attention due to its Bollywood connection and the involvement of several high-profile personalities.
Sukesh Chandrashekhar, already facing multiple fraud cases, continues to remain in custody. The development is being seen as a major step forward in the Enforcement Directorate’s crackdown on money laundering networks involving celebrities and influential figures.
The matter remains under active judicial scrutiny, with further hearings expected after the formal signing of charges next week.
About The Author
