In a major financial fraud case, businessman Raj Kundra and his wife, actress Shilpa Shetty, have been accused of defrauding ₹60 crore. The complaint was filed by businessman Deepak Kothari, alleging that between 2015 and 2023, he was persuaded to invest the amount into their company, Best Deal TV Private Limited. However, Kothari claims that the funds were misused for personal gain rather than the intended business purpose.
The Allegations and the Investigation
Deepak Kothari filed the complaint on August 14, 2025, at the Juhu Police Station, accusing Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty of misleading him into making a substantial investment into their company, Best Deal TV. The police investigation, led by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police, is currently underway. According to reports, during questioning, Raj Kundra claimed that the loss of his business following the 2016 demonetization by the government severely impacted his ability to repay the debts.
Kundra argued that the demonetization had disrupted his business, leading to significant financial losses, which, in turn, made it difficult to pay back the money he owed. Deepak Kothari’s accusations against the couple have resulted in a legal battle, and the EOW has recorded Kundra’s statement in the ongoing investigation. Furthermore, an alert was issued against Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra through a lookout circular to prevent them from leaving the country until the matter is resolved.
Shilpa Shetty’s Statement and the Role of the Couple
In a statement given to the police, Shilpa Shetty claimed that she was not involved in the daily operations of the company she co-founded with her husband. She stated that while she had a role in establishing the business, she did not oversee its operations. This declaration has raised several questions about her involvement and whether she was aware of the misuse of the funds.
On October 4, 2025, the EOW team questioned Shilpa Shetty at her residence for more than four hours. Her statement was recorded during the session, where she reiterated that she had not been directly involved in the company’s day-to-day activities, especially those linked to the ₹60 crore investment. The police are now focusing on verifying the details of the couple’s financial transactions and understanding the exact nature of the alleged fraud.
Legal Proceedings and the Couple’s Travel Restrictions
As the investigation continues, the couple’s legal troubles have deepened. The Mumbai High Court has stated that it will not consider granting permission for the couple to travel abroad until they have deposited the ₹60 crore at the court. The court, led by Chief Justice Shri Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad, expressed that it could not approve any travel requests given the serious nature of the charges against them.
The couple’s lawyer argued that they sought permission to travel for professional reasons, with a particular trip to Phuket planned for a business-related engagement. The lawyer also emphasized that they had been cooperating with the investigation and had appeared for questioning when required. However, the court ruled that the couple’s cooperation would not allow them to travel freely until the full amount in question was secured.
Impact of the Case on Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty’s Careers
The allegations against Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty have sent shockwaves through the business and entertainment industries. Kundra, once a prominent businessman, especially known for his ventures in the entertainment and digital space, now finds himself embroiled in a serious legal case. His reputation has been severely impacted by the fraud allegations, as well as by the accusations regarding financial mismanagement.
Shilpa Shetty, a well-known Bollywood actress, has also faced a blow to her public image. Known for her roles in numerous successful films, Shetty’s involvement in the case has raised eyebrows, particularly as her name is tied to a financial dispute of such magnitude. While she has distanced herself from the operational aspects of the business, the allegations could affect her brand endorsements and career in the entertainment industry.
Previous Allegations and Legal Issues
This is not the first time Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty have faced legal scrutiny. Raj Kundra has previously been involved in controversies, including a case related to the production and distribution of adult content. These past issues have cast a shadow over his business ventures, and now, with this latest fraud case, his reputation is at further risk.
Shilpa Shetty, on the other hand, has largely managed to maintain a positive public image despite being married to Kundra, whose business dealings have often been under scrutiny. However, this new case has raised concerns about her future involvement in business ventures and her standing within the entertainment industry.
The Role of the Police and the Investigation
The Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing is working diligently on this case to uncover the full extent of the fraud and ensure that the responsible individuals are held accountable. The investigation focuses on tracing the flow of funds and determining whether there was intentional misappropriation or negligence on the part of Raj Kundra, Shilpa Shetty, and others involved in the business.
Given the significant amount of money involved, the case has attracted considerable attention. The EOW is expected to conduct a thorough investigation, which will include examining financial documents, questioning key witnesses, and gathering further evidence to build a strong case.
The Future of the Case
As the investigation unfolds, many questions remain unanswered. Will Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty be able to prove their innocence? Will they face further legal action, or will they be able to clear their names? For now, the couple faces strict restrictions on travel and other legal proceedings.
This case highlights the complexities involved in business dealings and the importance of transparency in financial transactions. As the legal process progresses, it will become clearer how the authorities plan to tackle the fraud allegations and what consequences Kundra and Shetty may face.
The case involving Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty is one of the most high-profile fraud cases in recent times. The allegations of financial mismanagement and fraud have brought the couple under intense scrutiny. With the investigation ongoing and their legal troubles intensifying, it remains to be seen what impact this case will have on their personal and professional lives. The legal proceedings will continue to unfold, with the Mumbai Police working to gather more evidence and piece together the details of the alleged ₹60 crore fraud. As of now, the couple’s future remains uncertain, and the public awaits further developments in this ongoing case.
