Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has recently taken to social media to address serious allegations related to a fraud case involving Rs. 60.48 crore linked to her past business, Best Deal TV. Her comments come as the legal situation around her intensifies, particularly regarding questions surrounding her travel permissions.
In an official statement shared on her Instagram story, Shetty firmly denied the allegations, stating, “We categorically deny the baseless and motivated allegations being circulated. The issues sought to be raised are being given a criminal colour without any lawful basis. A Quashing Petition has already been filed before the Hon’ble High Court and is pending adjudication. Having fully cooperated with the investigation, we are confident that justice will prevail and have complete faith in the law enforcement authorities and the judicial system of our country. We respectfully urge the media to exercise restraint as the matter is sub judice.”
Additionally, the Bombay High Court has instructed Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra, to either pay Rs. 60 crore or provide a continuous bank guarantee from a national bank before they can lift a Lookout Circular that currently restricts their travel abroad. This ruling came after their urgent plea to travel to London for Kundra’s father, who is unwell. The Lookout Circular was issued by the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police following a complaint from Deepak Kothari, director of UY Industries Pvt Ltd, who alleged misappropriation of funds from investments made in Best Deal TV between 2015 and 2023. The couple has labeled the allegations as malicious and an attempt at extortion.
In other news, Shetty’s upscale restaurant chain Bastian is also facing challenges. A complaint has been filed against the Bengaluru location for allegedly violating local regulations by hosting a private party beyond the allowed closing time. Furthermore, reports indicate that Bastian’s Mumbai outlet in Dadar was subject to an income tax raid recently, although details on the operation remain unclear.
