- Raj Kundra allegedly moved ₹15 crore to a company owned by Shilpa Shetty.
- Shilpa Shetty may be questioned on the large payment and its purpose.
- Investigators suspect denial of 26% stake to avoid NCLT scrutiny.
- Possible diversion of funds to sister companies under investigation.
By Kumar Rakesh
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police has uncovered a crucial trail in the alleged ₹60 crore fraud involving businessman Raj Kundra and actress Shilpa Shetty.
EOW sources revealed that Kundra transferred nearly ₹15 crore from the disputed funds to a company owned by Shilpa Shetty. Investigators are verifying the purpose of the transfer, noting that the amount appears unusually high for routine advertising services. Shetty is likely to be summoned soon for questioning, while Kundra may face another round of interrogation later this week.
The case revolves around Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, a now-defunct celebrity-driven teleshopping channel launched by Shetty, Kundra and actor Akshay Kumar. Officials said key documents sought from the Resolution Professionals overseeing the company remain missing.
Investigators further suspect that complainant Deepak Kothari, director at Lotus Capital Finance Services, was deliberately denied a promised 26% shareholding to avoid mandatory reporting to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). They are also probing possible diversion of funds to sister companies.
Earlier on September 15, Kundra’s statement was recorded for over five hours at an undisclosed location to avoid media glare.
