Delhi Court Frames Charges Against Sukesh Chandrasekhar (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: A Delhi court has framed charges against alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar and 20 other accused in the high-profile ₹217-crore extortion case, formally paving the way for trial proceedings in one of the country’s most widely discussed financial crime investigations.
The case pertains to allegations that Chandrasekhar operated a large extortion racket while lodged in jail, allegedly impersonating influential government officials and using fake identities to target wealthy individuals and their families.
According to investigators, the primary complainant in the case is Aditi Singh, wife of former Ranbaxy promoter Shivinder Mohan Singh. She alleged that she was cheated and extorted of more than ₹200 crore between 2020 and 2021.
Delhi Police later estimated the total proceeds involved in the alleged racket at around ₹217 crore. Investigating agencies claim Chandrasekhar and his associates used spoofed phone calls, fake identities, shell companies and hawala channels to collect and move funds obtained through the alleged extortion network.
The court framed charges under various provisions related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, extortion and organised crime. With charges now framed, the case will proceed to the evidence and witness examination stage.
The case also attracted national attention due to its alleged links with Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez, who has been questioned separately by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering probe connected to the alleged proceeds of crime.
Investigators alleged that expensive gifts, luxury items and financial transactions involving Chandrasekhar formed part of the broader money laundering investigation. However, Fernandez has consistently denied any involvement in the alleged extortion conspiracy and maintained that she was unaware of the source of funds.
Sukesh Chandrasekhar offers Rs 217 crore settlement in Rs 200 crore extortion case; Details inside
Earlier this year, Chandrasekhar had approached the court expressing willingness to pay ₹217 crore to Aditi Singh as part of a proposed settlement, while stating that the offer did not amount to an admission of guilt.
Despite the proposal, criminal proceedings continued, and the framing of charges now pushes the matter into a full-fledged trial phase.
The court will now move forward with recording evidence and examining witnesses. Investigators are expected to present financial records, communication details and other evidence related to the alleged extortion network.
The case remains one of India’s most closely watched financial crime investigations because of its alleged prison-operated extortion network, organised crime links and celebrity connections.
