Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted raids at 15 premises, including that of businessman and Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty’s husband Raj Kundra in connection with the pornography-linked money-laundering investigation.
ED’s searches are in various locations in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh, including Kundra’s residence in Juhu and premises linked to his associates.
Kundra and others are under investigation about allegations of production and distribution of pornographic content through mobile applications.
ED’s probe stems from a case initiated by Mumbai Police against Kundra in 2021. The businessman spent two months in prison after being arrested by Mumbai Crime Branch in July 2021 before being granted bail. However, the case has not been closed yet.
Kundra told a Mumbai court in 2021 that there was not even an iota of evidence with the prosecution (Mumbai Police) that would connect the app ‘Hotshots’, used in the alleged porn films racket, with an offence under the law.
Even as Kundra’s wife Shilpa Shetty was mentioned in some reports, her advocate Prashant Patil clarified that the actress has nothing to do about any offence.
“There have been reports in the media saying that my client Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra has been raided by the Enforcement Directorate. These reports are not true and are misleading. There is no Enforcement Directorate raid on her as she has nothing to do with any offence of whatsoever nature. However, the case in question is an ongoing investigation regarding Mr Raj Kundra and he is cooperating with the investigation for truth to come out,” Patil stated.
“I would request the electronic and print media to refrain from using the videos, pictures and name of Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra as she has nothing to do with the case. Strict cognisance shall be taken against irresponsible journalism wherein the pictures or videos of her are shared on this matter,” the advocate added.
This is the second money-laundering case against Kundra. Earlier this year, the ED attached assets worth Rs 98 crore of Kundra and Shetty in a cryptocurrency case.
The Bombay High Court granted relief to the high-profile couple against the ED attachment order.
