Did Shilpa Shetty Deny EOW's Section 420 Allegations Against Her and Raj Kundra?
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Mumbai, Dec 17 (NationPress) Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty Kundra has firmly refuted what she deems as "unfounded and motivated accusations" regarding the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police invoking Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code against her and her spouse, Raj Kundra.
On Wednesday, the actress utilized the Stories section of her Instagram account to post a detailed message dismissing the allegations.
She stated, “We categorically deny the baseless and motivated allegations being spread. The issues being raised are being given a criminal color without any legal foundation. A Quashing Petition has already been submitted to the High Court and is currently under consideration. Having fully cooperated with the investigation, we are optimistic that justice will prevail and we have complete confidence in the law enforcement authorities and the judicial system of our nation. We kindly request the media to exercise caution as the matter is subjudice.”
The INR 60 crore fraud and cheating case involving Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Raj Kundra was initiated by the Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing following a complaint from Mumbai-based businessman Deepak Kothari. The complainant alleged that between 2015 and 2023, he invested around INR 60 crore in Best Deal TV Pvt. Ltd., a company associated with the couple, based on promises of returns and repayment.
According to the FIR, the funds were reportedly diverted and not returned in spite of repeated requests, leading to the charges. The couple has previously denied any criminal intent in press statements, asserting that the dispute is a civil matter tied to a business failure and the insolvency proceedings of the company. During related legal proceedings, the Bombay High Court issued directives regarding travel restrictions. The investigation remains ongoing, and no convictions have been recorded yet.
Previously, media sources reported that with the inclusion of Section 420 of the IPC, which is a scheduled offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the complainant has directed his legal team to commence suitable proceedings with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).