Businessman Raj Kundra has appealed to the media to maintain boundaries and refrain from involving his wife, actor Shilpa Shetty, in matters unrelated to her, following raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at his premises on Friday.
The ED's actions are part of an ongoing investigation into a money laundering case allegedly connected to the distribution of pornographic and adult films. Multiple locations linked to Kundra and others were searched as part of this probe.
What Raj Kundra said in his statement
Contrary to speculation in the media, Kundra stated that he has been "fully complying" with the investigation, which has been ongoing for the past four years.
In his first public response since the raids, Kundra shared a statement on Instagram, saying: "To whom it may concern, While the media seems to have a flair for drama, let’s set the record straight: I’m fully complying with the ongoing investigation that has been unfolding for the last four years. As for the claims of ‘associates’, ‘pornography’ and ‘money laundering’, let’s just say that no amount of sensationalism will cloud the truth, in the end, justice will prevail!”
Addressing the media directly, he added: "A note to the media: It’s unacceptable to repeatedly drag my wife’s name into unrelated matters. Please respect the boundaries…!!! #ED."
The investigation doesn't involve Shilpa Shetty
Shilpa Shetty, who married Kundra in 2009, has not yet commented on the matter. However, her lawyer, Prashant Patil, clarified in a previous statement to PTI that the ongoing investigation does not involve the actress. He said that Kundra is "cooperating in the investigation for the truth to come out."
All about cases against Raj Kundra
The current money laundering case, registered in May 2022, is linked to two FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Mumbai police against Kundra and others. Kundra, along with some associates, was previously arrested in this case but later granted bail.
The allegations revolve around the use of an app named Hotshots, which was reportedly used for uploading and streaming obscene content. Kundra has repeatedly denied these claims, asserting that there is no evidence linking him to the creation or distribution of pornographic material.
The police investigation began after complaints from multiple women, including one filed at Lonavla police station near Mumbai. According to the police, aspiring actors were allegedly lured with promises of roles in web series or short films. These auditions often required the actors to perform "bold" scenes, which later turned into semi-nude or nude shoots without their consent.
The investigation further revealed the existence of several apps involved in distributing adult content online. The police alleged that Kundra’s company, Armsprime Media Pvt Ltd, acquired the Hotshots app through a London-based entity, Kenrin Pvt Ltd, to upload objectionable material.
This isn’t the first time Kundra has faced scrutiny over financial matters. Earlier this year, the ED attached assets worth ₹98 crore belonging to Kundra and Shetty in connection with a cryptocurrency-related case. The couple subsequently secured relief from the Bombay High Court against the attachment order.