Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra in Legal Hot Water: Mumbai Court Directs Probe Over ₹60 Crore Fraud Allegations

By Bollywood Pe Charcha Digital Bureau

After a whirlwind birthday celebration marking her 49th year, Bollywood diva Shilpa Shetty finds herself confronting a serious legal battle alongside her husband, businessman Raj Kundra. The couple, once again in the midst of controversy, has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as directed by a Mumbai court in relation to a fraud case that could potentially shake their reputation.

The Case and Its Background

The new trouble comes barely after the dust had settled on Raj Kundra’s previous controversies—including allegations around adult films. Now, a fresh case puts both Shilpa and Raj under the scanner. The catalyst? A complaint lodged by businessman Deepak Kothari, who has accused the high-profile couple and some employees of their company of defrauding him of an astronomical ₹60.4 crore.

A Mumbai-based court has instructed the BKC police station to conduct an in-depth investigation into these allegations, giving a whole new twist to the ongoing legal battles surrounding the star couple.

What Are the Allegations?

At the heart of the matter is a significant sum—₹60.4 crore—that Kothari claims he handed over as a loan to the couple’s business. According to him, both Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra, aided by certain company employees, orchestrated a fraud, misrepresenting business prospects and failing to return the money.

Reports also point to an audio recording where Raj Kundra is allegedly heard denying ever having taken such a loan. In the recording, Kundra reportedly says, “Kharza toh liya nahi tha maine aapse, yeh baat maanni padegi aapko,” translating to, “I never took a loan from you, you have to admit this.”

These conflicting claims have intensified curiosity and raised serious questions about the nature of the business dealings and the authenticity of the allegations.

ED Summons and Court Orders

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), India’s premier anti-money laundering investigative agency, has been officially summoned into the matter by the court’s directive. The ED will work in tandem with the local police to trace the funds, investigate the alleged business fraud, and determine if money laundering or other financial irregularities have occurred.

Such court-directed probes under ED supervision are rare and underscore the seriousness of the complaint. The involvement of both state and central agencies suggests that the ramifications could be far-reaching, not only for Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra but perhaps even for others connected to their business empire.

The Couple’s Response

After news of the court’s instructions and the ED summons hit the headlines, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra issued a statement through their lawyer. Although the details of their official response remain confidential at the moment, insiders suggest their legal team is preparing to challenge the allegations robustly.

So far, both have denied any involvement in fraudulent activities. The case, however, has begun to cast a shadow over Shilpa’s public image, especially since the controversy blew up almost simultaneously with her birthday celebrations.

A History of Controversy

For Raj Kundra, controversy and legal hurdles are not new. The entrepreneur made headlines in 2021 when he was arrested for alleged involvement in the production and distribution of adult films through mobile apps. After spending several weeks in custody, Kundra was released on bail, but the episode left a lasting impact on his public and professional life.

The current case adds to the couple’s growing legal woes, and many observers question whether this might put a dent in Shilpa’s successful Bollywood and TV career.

What’s Next?

All eyes are now on how the investigation unfolds. If the allegations are proven, the ramifications could be severe, possibly involving arrests, asset seizures, or even jail time for those found guilty of fraud or money laundering.

For now, the ED and Mumbai police will probe all aspects of the transactions, taking statements from the duo, their employees, and key witnesses, as well as examining documentary evidence. The process could drag on for months, keeping the couple in the headlines—and under scrutiny.

Public Reaction: Sympathy, Speculation, or Suspicion?

The case has sent shockwaves across Bollywood and social media. Fans of Shilpa Shetty have expressed concern, stating that the actress has always enjoyed a clean image and should not be judged prematurely. Skeptics, however, believe that the persistent controversies surrounding Raj Kundra hint at deeper issues.

The fact that such a hefty sum is involved has naturally spurred a deluge of questions from the public: Was the loan properly documented? Were there misrepresentations made at the time of the deal? How involved was Shilpa Shetty in her husband’s business operations—or is she caught up simply by association?

The Road Ahead

Legal experts suggest that, given the magnitude of the case and the star power involved, the proceedings will be closely watched. Any developments—arrests, exonerations, or settlements—are bound to ripple across Bollywood, affecting personal careers and industry reputations alike.

In the coming weeks, as more information trickles in and both sides present their arguments, the fate of Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra will become clearer.

For now, Bollywood waits with bated breath as another legal drama unfolds in its glittering corridors.