60 Crore Fraud Case on Shilpa Shetty, Actress Responds

Actor Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband Raj Kundra are facing fresh legal scrutiny after Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) added cheating charges in an alleged Rs 60 crore fraud case. The case stems from a complaint filed by Mumbai-based businessman Deepak Kothari, who claims he was cheated in a loan-cum-investment deal linked to the couple’s now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Private Limited.

According to the complainant’s legal team, the EOW found material during its investigation that warranted the inclusion of cheating charges under the Indian Penal Code. The lawyers have also stated that they plan to approach the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to initiate proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), seeking identification, tracing, and possible attachment of assets linked to the alleged proceeds of crime.

The case was registered on August 14, following Kothari’s allegation that between 2015 and 2023, he was induced to invest nearly Rs 60 crore in Best Deal TV. He has claimed that the funds, meant for business operations, were allegedly diverted for personal use. These allegations form the basis of the cheating charge now added to the FIR.

During the course of the investigation, Raj Kundra reportedly stated that a portion of the money was paid as professional fees to actors Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia. He has also maintained that Best Deal TV, which traded in electrical and household appliances, suffered severe losses following demonetisation in 2016, leading to financial distress and an inability to repay the invested amount.

Soon after reports of the added charges surfaced, Shilpa Shetty issued a statement through her social media, firmly denying all allegations. She described them as “baseless and motivated” and said the dispute was being given a criminal colour without lawful grounds. The actor confirmed that a quashing petition has already been filed before the High Court and is currently pending.

Shetty also stated that she and her husband have fully cooperated with the investigation and expressed confidence in the judicial process. Urging restraint, she requested the media to avoid speculation as the matter remains sub judice.