Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra Take Legal Action in Rs 60-Crore Cheating Case at Bombay High Court
Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, have taken legal action by approaching the Bombay High Court to dismiss a cheating case against them. The case, filed by the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai police, involves allegations of misappropriating Rs 60 crores from an investor. The couple’s legal team argues that the complaint is based on falsehoods and seeks to protect them from further legal repercussions while the case is pending.
Background of the Case
The allegations against Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra stem from a complaint made by Deepak Kothari, the director of Lotus Capital Financial Services Ltd, a non-banking financial company (NBFC). Kothari claims that between 2015 and 2023, the couple, through an intermediary named Rajesh Arya, persuaded him to invest Rs 60 crores in their now-defunct venture, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd. According to Kothari, the funds were not utilized for business purposes as promised but were instead misappropriated for personal gain.
The complaint details a meeting that took place in 2015 at a luxury hotel in Juhu, where Shetty, Kundra, Arya, and Kothari were present. During this meeting, the couple allegedly presented themselves as directors of Best Deal TV and sought a business loan, assuring Kothari of monthly returns and the repayment of the principal amount. The funds were reportedly routed as an “investment” to evade higher taxation, as stated in the FIR.
Legal Arguments and Defense
In response to the allegations, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s legal representatives have asserted that the FIR is based on misleading and distorted information. They argue that it has been filed with malicious intent to extort money from the couple. Shetty has emphasized that her involvement with the company was limited and that she was not engaged in its daily operations.
The couple’s defense further contends that the matter is fundamentally civil, arising from a failed business venture and investment losses exacerbated by economic factors such as demonetization. They maintain that the claims made by Kothari do not constitute a criminal offense but rather reflect a dispute over a business investment.
Current Status of the Case
The Bombay High Court heard the couple’s plea on Monday and has instructed them to share their petitions with the complainant, Deepak Kothari. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 20. In the meantime, Shetty and Kundra are seeking protection from any coercive actions or the filing of a chargesheet while their petitions are under consideration.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the couple remains focused on clearing their names and addressing the allegations against them. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for their personal and professional lives, as well as for their public image in the entertainment industry.
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