Actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, have been charged with cheating in an alleged Rs 60 crore fraud case. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police added the charge following a complaint filed by businessman Deepak Kothari. Officials said evidence found during the investigation supported the addition of the charge, which is expected to widen the scope of the probe.
Complaint linked to Best Deal TV
The case relates to Best Deal TV Private Limited, a home shopping and online retail company that is now defunct. Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra were directors of the company. According to the complaint, Kothari was allegedly cheated in a loan-cum-investment deal involving the firm.
Possible ED action and asset attachment
In a statement, Kothari’s lawyers said the complainant plans to approach the Enforcement Directorate to trace and seize the money allegedly involved in the case. They also said a request will be made for the attachment of assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Shilpa Shetty denies allegations
Shilpa Shetty responded to the case through a story on Instagram. She said the allegations against her and her husband are baseless. She added that the issues were being given a criminal angle without any legal basis.
Petition filed in High Court
Shetty said a petition seeking to quash the case has already been filed before the High Court and is pending. She added that both she and Kundra have fully cooperated with the investigation and expressed confidence in the legal process. She also asked the media to exercise restraint as the matter is before the court.
Details of the Rs 60 crore allegation
The case was registered in Mumbai on August 14. Kothari alleged that between 2015 and 2023, he was induced to invest nearly Rs 60 crore in Best Deal TV Private Limited. He claimed the money was not used for business purposes and was instead diverted for personal use.
Raj Kundra’s stand during probe
During the investigation, Raj Kundra reportedly said that part of the amount was paid as professional fees to actors Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia. In an earlier statement in October, Kundra said his company traded in electrical and household appliances and suffered heavy losses after demonetisation in 2016.
Investigation ongoing
Kundra had claimed that the financial crisis following demonetisation made it difficult for the company to repay borrowed funds. The EOW continues to investigate the matter, and further developments are awaited.