Actress Summoned Over Suspicious Transaction
Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has been summoned by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police in connection with a high-profile fraud investigation involving her husband, businessman Raj Kundra. According to officials, investigators have flagged a suspicious transfer of ₹15 crore from Raj Kundra to one of Shilpa Shetty’s companies. The transaction, part of a larger ₹60 crore fraud probe, has prompted authorities to seek clarity from the actress about the nature of the funds, especially billing and advertising-related expenses.
Sources within the EOW revealed that key documents are still pending, while some of the funds appear to have been routed to sister companies. Shilpa Shetty has now been asked to appear before investigators for questioning, where she is expected to provide explanations and submit relevant documentation.
Background Of The Case
The investigation stems from a complaint filed in August by businessman Deepak Kothari, director of Lotus Capital Financial Services Ltd. Kothari accused Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra, and another individual of cheating him of over ₹60 crore. Between 2015 and 2023, Kothari allegedly invested funds in their ventures under the belief that the money would be used to expand business operations. However, the complaint states that instead of deploying the funds for genuine business growth, large sums were allegedly diverted for personal use by the celebrity couple.
The EOW subsequently registered a case and began examining financial records, where the ₹15 crore transfer to Shetty’s firm raised red flags. Officials are currently analyzing the transaction trail to determine if it involved any misrepresentation, falsification of accounts, or diversion of funds.
Legal Response From The Couple
In response to the allegations, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra have strongly denied any wrongdoing. Their legal counsel, Advocate Prashant Patil, issued a statement rejecting the charges, calling them “baseless and civil in nature.” Patil emphasized that the matter had already been adjudicated by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in October 2024.
“This is an old transaction, wherein the company went into financial distress and eventually got entangled in a long legal battle at the NCLT. My clients deny all allegations against them, which are purely civil in nature. The attempt to paint them as fraudsters is misleading and unfair,” Patil said.
Raj Kundra himself, speaking to the media recently, claimed that neither he nor Shilpa had done anything illegal and that the allegations were being exaggerated. He maintained that all financial dealings were transparent and carried out in compliance with the law.
🚨 Just IN 🚨
Mumbai Police issue Lookout Circular against actor Shilpa Shetty & husband Raj Kundra in a ₹60 crore cheating case, confirms official. [PTI] pic.twitter.com/98R7MDgcHg
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 5, 2025
Investigation Intensifies
Despite the couple’s denials, the EOW is pressing forward with the investigation. Officials plan to cross-check the ₹15 crore transaction with supporting invoices, advertising contracts, and related paperwork to verify its legitimacy. The authorities are also examining whether funds were deliberately siphoned off through shell firms or misrepresented in company accounts.
While Shilpa Shetty’s questioning is expected to be limited to clarifications regarding her company’s involvement, investigators have indicated that the actress could face further scrutiny depending on her responses. The agency is also considering summoning additional stakeholders, auditors, and company officials connected with the transactions in question.
Celebrity Spotlight On Legal Trouble
The case has attracted widespread attention due to the high-profile status of Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra. This is not the first time the couple has faced legal controversies. Raj Kundra was previously embroiled in the 2021 pornography-related case, which led to his arrest and subsequent bail. The present allegations, however, revolve around financial impropriety and cheating, making it a distinctly different matter but equally damaging to their public image.
Industry insiders say that the case has sparked discussions on accountability within celebrity business ventures, where investors often get influenced by the glamour quotient without adequate due diligence. The ongoing probe may also serve as a cautionary tale for those entering financial agreements with high-profile personalities.
What Lies Ahead
With Shilpa Shetty’s summons, the investigation appears to have entered a critical phase. The EOW’s findings on the ₹15 crore transaction could determine whether the allegations against the couple gain legal traction or collapse due to lack of evidence. If the funds are proven to have been misused or misrepresented, the couple may face charges under sections related to cheating, criminal breach of trust, and financial fraud.
For now, Shilpa Shetty’s statement before investigators will be pivotal. Legal experts suggest that her cooperation and ability to provide transparent documentation could significantly influence the direction of the probe. As the case unfolds, the celebrity couple continues to maintain their innocence, while the EOW works to untangle the financial web behind the alleged ₹60 crore fraud.
