The Mumbai Police Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) delved into a 60-crore fraud case involving actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra, recording Kundra's statement for approximately 5 hours on Monday.
In his statement, Raj Kundra disclosed that a loan of 60 crores was initially borrowed from complainant Deepak Kothari's NBFC and later adjusted as equity in Kothari's company, Best Deal TV Private Limited. He elucidated that 20 crores from this sum were allocated for broadcasting expenses, celebrity promotions, and other expenditures. Kundra also revealed that payments were made to actresses Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia, providing promotional photographs as evidence to the police.
Initial investigations by EOW suggest that the 60 crore amount was misappropriated to Raj Kundra's firms—Satyug Gold, Vian Industries, Essential Bulk Commodities Private Limited, Best Deal, and Statement Media. Reports indicate that these funds facilitated international travel, broadcasting costs, warehouse expenses, and office outlays in Matunga, which the EOW will further authenticate.
The Involvement of Shilpa Shetty
The EOW verified that Shilpa Shetty, being a primary shareholder in the involved company, is slated for questioning soon. Evidence collected implies that despite her significant shareholder status, Shilpa Shetty drew celebrity fees, which have been depicted as expenses, thus constituting financial misappropriation.
Payments to Neha Dhupia and Bipasha Basu
In the statement, Raj Kundra mentioned that apart from Neha Dhupia and Bipasha Basu, three to four other television anchors received payments for promoting the company. Additionally, payments to Balaji Telefilms were acknowledged, with Kundra furnishing the EOW with related photographs.
Company Closure Due to Demonetization
Raj Kundra claimed that he doesn't possess celebrity promotion videos via Best Deal TV since they were confiscated by the Cyber Crime branch in relation to a pornography scandal. Further, he cited the adverse impact of demonetization, which affected their cash-on-delivery business model, leading to substantial losses and the eventual shutdown of the company. Best Deal TV had primarily promoted products from Kundra's other ventures.
The Road Ahead
EOW will now record Shilpa Shetty's statement and verify the authenticity of the expenses. The investigation continues to delve deeper into the case.
