Shilpa Shetty questioned in Rs 60 crore fraud case probe

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty was interrogated for more than four hours by Mumbai’s Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) on Wednesday in connection with a Rs 60 crore fraud case involving her husband, businessman Raj Kundra.

Background of the Case

The investigation stems from a complaint lodged by Deepak Kothari, director of Lotus Capital Financial Services, who alleged that he invested Rs 60.48 crore in Best Deal TV Pvt. Ltd., a company linked to Shetty and Kundra, between 2015 and 2023.

According to the complaint, the funds were meant for business expansion. However, Kothari claims that a large portion was allegedly diverted for personal use, with around Rs 15 crore reportedly transferred to a company account belonging to Shilpa Shetty.

EOW Interrogation and Findings

During Wednesday’s interrogation, officials reviewed bank statements, financial records, and seized documents for further scrutiny. Statements from at least five individuals, including Raj Kundra, have already been recorded.

Investigators say they have traced approximately Rs 25 crore from the allegedly misappropriated funds. Some of these funds reportedly went to industry figures and production houses, allegedly including Bipasha Basu, Neha Dhupia, and Balaji Entertainment. The EOW is currently verifying the flow of money to confirm whether investor funds were diverted or misused.

Travel Restrictions Imposed

In a parallel development, the Bombay High Court recently denied Shetty and Kundra’s plea to travel abroad for a family vacation in Phuket, Thailand (October 2–5). The couple sought suspension of a lookout circular, citing pre-booked travel arrangements. However, the court dismissed the request, stressing the serious nature of the ongoing probe.

Public Silence and Next Steps

So far, Shilpa Shetty has not issued any public statement regarding the interrogation or the allegations. The EOW is expected to continue document verification, asset investigation, and further witness statements in the coming weeks.

A High-Profile Case Under Watch

The case has drawn widespread media attention due to the celebrity status of Shetty and Kundra and the significant amount of money involved. Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active, with a strong focus on ensuring accountability and transparency in financial dealings.