Millionaire Sukesh Chandrashekhar recently came under fire after investigations conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) revealed that he masterminded several money-laundering and extortion activities. He is currently named in no less than 21 cases, one of which involves the famous Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez as a possible accomplice and beneficiary.
Millionaire Sukesh Chandrashekhar accused of heading money laundering scam
To discreetly dispose of illegally-gotten funds, Chandrashekhar allegedly bought up to 20 crore in expensive gifts using the laundered money, which he distributed among several high-profile actresses and models, including Bollywood star Nora Fatehi and former Miss Universe Sir Lanka Jacqueline Fernandez. Though a few of the actresses refused to receive gifts, it was found that Jacqueline Fernandez was one of the actresses who obliged, owning over Rs. 7.2 crore of gifts footed by the disgraced millionaire.
Chandrashekhar reportedly attempted to deny all money laundering claims, stating that the two were romantically involved, hence the gifts (though the millionaire is married, with his wife Leena being accused of money laundering right beside him). However, the actress has a conflicting stance and has rejected all claims of a relationship. According to reports, Chandrashekhar bought Jacqueline a house worth Rs 52 lakh, a Mini Cooper (which the actress returned), several high-end items from Gucci, Chanel, and Hermes, and three luxury Persian cats worth Rs. 9 lakh each.
During extensive questioning by the ED, Fernandes stated that she had no idea of Chandrashekhar’s ulterior motives behind the gifts and was being used as an unwilling accomplice.
The alleged relationship between Chandrashekhar and Jacqueline Fernandez
The alleged relationship between the two began in 2021, when Chandrashekhar tried to build a relationship with Fernandez during his time in Tihar Jail, calling and texting her. Chandrashekhar was initially jailed in 2019 for attempting to bribe Election committee members using money taken from the AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran and cheating many people out of their money, for which he was serving time in Tihar jail at the time of the incident.
Though Jacqueline Fernandez did not respond at first, he attempted to get close to her again through her hairstylist and introduced himself as one of Home Minister Amit Shah’s close acquaintances and the owner of Sun TV and Malabar Jewels. This reportedly impressed the actress, and they began to communicate regularly. The ED also unearthed a number of video calls between the two, where Chandrashekhar was reportedly calling her from Tihar jail.
However, when questioned, Jacqueline Fernandez denied the claims of being in a romantic relationship with Chandrashekhar and said that she was unaware that he was in jail during the period of their ‘courtship’. However, as she still was a recipient of expensive gifts at the hands of the conman, the ED roped Fernandez into the case by making her a witness and investigated her for extortion as a possible beneficiary of Chandrashekhar’s money laundering dealings.
The ED also arrested Chandrashekhar’s aid Pinky Irani, who suggested that he get close to the actress and chose out gifts for Jacqueline using his money. Irani reportedly dropped the gifts off at Fernandez’s place herself. These same gifts were later investigated as proceeds of crime.
Consequences for Jacqueline Fernandez
The ED issued a LOC (lookout notice) in Jacqueline’s name, which prevented her from leaving the country, and may seize the expensive gifts given to her by Chandrashekar as part of the investigation. She also recorded her statement as a witness alongside Nora Fatehi.
Following these events, Chandrashekhar released a statement from jail, urging the ED and the public to exempt Fernandez from further probing and insisting that his actions were the result of being in love with the actress. However, due to their conflicting statements, the ED has still not yet reached a decision on Jacqueline’s role in the case.
