The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations on Friday, including the residences of businessman Raj Kundra, the husband of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty. The searches, carried out across 15 locations in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh, are related to an ongoing money laundering investigation into the alleged production and distribution of pornographic content via mobile applications.
This inquiry stems from a case that was first initiated by the Mumbai police in 2021, where Raj Kundra was arrested in connection with the alleged porn production racket. He was later granted bail by a city court. The current investigation marks the second money laundering case against Kundra, with the first involving the attachment of ₹98 crore worth of assets earlier this year in connection with a cryptocurrency case. However, the couple had obtained relief from the Bombay High Court, which lifted the ED’s asset attachment order.
In 2021, Kundra had claimed in a Mumbai court that there was no evidence connecting the ‘Hotshots’ app, which was allegedly used to distribute the pornographic films, with any criminal offense under the law. Despite his defense, the ongoing investigations continue to scrutinize his financial dealings related to these allegations.
Meanwhile Shilpa Shetty’s lawyer has issued a statement denying any involvement of the actress in the ongoing investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The statement, made by advocate Prashant Patil, comes in response to media reports claiming that the ED had raided Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra’s house. Patil called these reports “misleading,” clarifying that there has been no raid on Shilpa Shetty’s residence and that she has no connection to the case or any offense being investigated.
The lawyer acknowledged that the ED is investigating Raj Kundra in relation to the ongoing case, and he confirmed that Kundra is fully cooperating with the authorities. However, he emphasized that Shilpa Shetty is not involved in any wrongdoing related to the case.
Additionally, the lawyer requested media outlets to stop using pictures, videos, and the name of Shilpa Shetty in reports about the investigation, stressing that the actress has no connection to the matter. He also warned against “irresponsible journalism,” stating that strict action would be taken if such material was shared.
