Bollywood actor and dancer Nora Fatehi has encountered fresh legal trouble after failing to appear before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court in connection with the high-profile 200-crore rupee extortion and money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The court expressed strong displeasure over her absence, rejected her exemption plea, and issued fresh summons directing her to appear in person on 6 November.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police had directed Fatehi to present herself in court on 2 November. Her legal team moved an application seeking exemption from personal appearance, citing short notice and pre-existing professional commitments. However, the presiding judge turned down the request, firmly stating that judicial proceedings cannot be taken lightly. Consequently, the court deferred the hearing to 6 November and issued a fresh summons to secure her presence.
Following the court’s stern stance, Fatehi’s legal representatives issued a statement clarifying that the artiste is not an accused in the case. They emphasized that she has been called strictly as a prosecution witness to assist law enforcement agencies with their investigation. According to her defence, Fatehi committed no wrongdoing and remains fully cooperative with the authorities.
The case stems from financial crimes allegedly perpetrated by Sukesh Chandrashekhar while incarcerated at Delhi’s Tihar and Rohini jails. Chandrashekhar reportedly extorted nearly 200 crore rupees from the spouses of former Ranbaxy promoters, Shivinder Singh and Malvinder Singh, by posing as a senior government official. Investigators from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncovered that proceeds of the crime were channelled into purchasing luxury automobiles, designer items, and expensive gifts for several high-profile Bollywood figures, including Fatehi and actor Jacqueline Fernandez. The Delhi Police EOW subsequently booked Chandrashekhar under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
During questioning by the ED, Fatehi disclosed that she was offered expensive items—including a luxury BMW vehicle and designer Gucci bags—in lieu of a performance fee for a charity event organised by Chandrashekhar’s wife, Leena Maria Paul. Fatehi maintained that she had no personal relationship with Chandrashekhar and severed all contact as soon as she suspected wrongdoing. Her formal statement was later recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, establishing her status as a witness in the charge sheet.
Conversely, Chandrashekhar made counterclaims in a letter released from prison, alleging that he funded a multi-crore property purchase for Fatehi in Casablanca, Morocco. He also alleged that Fatehi was jealous of his relationship with Jacqueline Fernandez and repeatedly urged him to end it. These allegations remain unverified claims made by the accused and have not been substantiated in court.
All eyes now turn to the upcoming proceedings on 6 November to see whether the actor complies with the court’s directive.
