Amidst an ongoing investigation into an alleged ₹60 crore fraud case involving her and her husband Raj Kundra's defunct company, Best Deal TV Private Limited, actress Shilpa Shetty recently embarked on a spiritual journey with her sister, Shamita Shetty. The sisters visited several prominent religious sites, including Saptashrungi Vani, Shirdi, and Trimbakeshwar.
Shamita Shetty shared glimpses of their pilgrimage on social media, describing the experience as deeply fulfilling. The posts included photos of the temples and the sisters together, offering a peek into their spiritual retreat.
This visit to Shirdi notably coincides with Shilpa Shetty's recent questioning by the Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in connection with the aforementioned fraud case. The EOW interrogated the actress for approximately four and a half hours regarding allegations of cheating a businessman of ₹60 crore. The investigation stems from a complaint filed by businessman Deepak Kothari, who alleges that investments made in Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd were misappropriated. He claimed that the company, co-owned by Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra, diverted over ₹60 crore, using the funds for personal expenses and benefits instead of business purposes.
During the questioning, Shilpa Shetty reportedly submitted detailed bank statements and supporting documents to the EOW, which are currently under examination as part of the ongoing probe. According to reports, the authorities are scrutinizing transactions where Raj Kundra allegedly transferred approximately ₹15 crore to a company owned by Shilpa Shetty, seeking to determine the legitimacy and purpose of these payments. Statements from five individuals, including Raj Kundra, have been recorded thus far.
Best Deal TV Private Limited, the company at the center of the allegations, was a home shopping and online retail platform that featured celebrities co-owning and promoting their brands. However, the channel faced financial difficulties following the 2016 demonetization, leading to the suspension of operations and eventual closure. Insolvency proceedings reportedly began as early as 2017.
The EOW is actively investigating Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra, and other individuals associated with Best Deal TV Private Limited. Authorities are systematically recording statements from key witnesses and stakeholders to build their case, with further questioning expected as they assess the financial transactions and alleged misappropriation of funds.
The Bombay High Court recently rejected a request from Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra to travel abroad for a family holiday in Phuket, and also denied their plea to stay the lookout notice issued against them. While their lawyers argued that the couple has cooperated with authorities in the past, the court upheld the travel restrictions amid the ongoing investigation.
The case has garnered significant attention, adding a new chapter to the high-profile legal issues involving the couple.
