The actor told a Delhi court she is willing to cooperate and become an approver in the ongoing money-laundering probe. The court directed her to follow procedure by filing a formal request with the Enforcement Directorate.
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The spotlight is firmly on Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez. On Friday, the actor made a surprising move in the high-profile money-laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar as she told a Delhi court she is willing to turn approver.
Yes, the same case that has seen love letters, luxury gifts, leaked photos, and endless headlines just took another twist. The development came during proceedings at the Patiala House Court, where the matter is currently pending.
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After hearing her submission, the court asked Jacqueline to file a formal application with the appropriate authority before any decision could be made. Her counsel confirmed the direction, saying she would now have to follow the proper legal procedure.
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This move comes months after the legal battle intensified, and it could change the direction of the entire case. But what exactly happened, and why is this such a big deal? Here’s the full story.
During the hearing, Jacqueline expressed her readiness to become an approver essentially meaning she is willing to cooperate with investigators and provide details about the case. The court, however, clarified that she must first submit a formal request to the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
As per procedure, the probe agency will record her statement. Only after evaluating her cooperation can the ED decide whether to move an application before the court to grant her approver status. So while her willingness is now on record, the legal process still has several steps ahead.
The development came after the Supreme Court earlier refused to cancel criminal proceedings against her. Jacqueline had challenged the Delhi High Court’s decision, but the top court declined to entertain her plea. That meant the case against her would continue, keeping her entangled in the investigation.
Despite everything, Jacqueline has consistently denied wrongdoing. She maintains she had no idea about Sukesh’s alleged criminal background and claims she was misled into believing he was a legitimate businessman.
The ED has taken a very different stand. In its chargesheet filed in August 2022, the agency named Jacqueline as a co-accused in the money-laundering case. According to investigators, she allegedly accepted luxury gifts worth more than Rs 7 crore from Sukesh. These reportedly included jewellery, expensive clothes and even vehicles.
The agency also claimed that she deleted data from her phone after Sukesh’s arrest. Investigators further alleged she initially concealed details of her financial dealings with him. However, according to the ED, she later admitted to them when confronted with evidence.
Jacqueline has strongly denied these accusations. Her stand has remained consistent. She says she was unaware of any illegal activity and was deceived.
The case itself revolves around an alleged Rs 215-crore fraud scheme. Investigators claim Sukesh targeted high-profile individuals using impersonation and deceit. The money-laundering probe focuses on how the proceeds of that alleged fraud were used.
Adding to the already sensational case is the personal angle. Sukesh, currently lodged in jail in connection with multiple cases, has repeatedly claimed Jacqueline was his girlfriend. He has even sent her letters from jail expressing affection, often on special occasions.
Leaked photos of the two together had earlier fueled speculation that they knew each other closely. Jacqueline, however, told the court she was misled and believed he was a legitimate businessman.
Over time, the case has blended legal drama with celebrity gossip, making it one of the most talked-about controversies in Bollywood.
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