IT Raid at Shilpa Shetty’s Bastian Restaurant Amid ₹60 Crore Fraud Probe; Actress, Raj Kundra Deny Allegations
Income Tax Department Raids Shilpa Shetty’s Pub, Probe Underway: Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, have once again found themselves at the center of a legal controversy. Amid an ongoing ₹60 crore fraud investigation, the Income Tax Department conducted a raid at Shilpa Shetty’s restaurant, Bastian, in Karnataka on Wednesday, December 17. A team of Income Tax officials arrived at the premises and carried out a search operation that reportedly lasted several hours.
Following the development, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra released an official statement on social media, firmly denying all allegations against them. Raj Kundra termed the claims “baseless and malicious” and clarified that the matter is already under the consideration of the Honorable High Court. The statement said that the issue was being given a “criminal colour without any legal basis” and that a quashing petition has already been filed.
The couple also expressed full faith in the Indian judicial system and said they are cooperating with investigating agencies. “We have complete confidence in the justice system and law enforcement authorities. Since the matter is sub judice, we request the media to exercise restraint and avoid spreading misinformation,” the statement added.
Why Bastian Restaurant Is Under Scanner
Shilpa Shetty recently expanded her popular restaurant chain, Bastian, to Bengaluru after its success in Mumbai. The Karnataka outlet landed in controversy after it was accused of hosting a late-night party without permission, allegedly violating traffic and public order norms. A video of the party went viral on social media, following which the Karnataka police registered a complaint against the restaurant.
What Is the ₹60 Crore Case?
The ₹60 crore fraud case originates from a complaint filed by Deepak Kothari, Director of Lotus Capital Financial Services. He has alleged that Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty took funds from him under the guise of business expansion but instead used the money for personal expenses. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is currently investigating the alleged financial transactions and tracing the money trail to ascertain its usage.
Foreign Travel Restricted
As part of the investigation, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against both Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty, restricting them from travelling abroad. The couple challenged this order in the Bombay High Court. Granting interim relief, the court directed that they may travel overseas only after depositing ₹60 crore or furnishing a bank guarantee of the same amount.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to scrutinize financial records and related transactions.
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