Cops May Approach Ekta Kapoor, Bipasha Basu In Shilpa Shetty Fraud Case
The Mumbai Police is planning to send notices to actors Neha Dhupia and Bipasha Basu, and producer-director Ekta Kapoor, seeking information on payments received from a now defunct company that was run by actor Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra.
- Date & Time:
- |
- Views: 31
- |
- From: India News Bull
Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is preparing to contact celebrities Neha Dhupia, Bipasha Basu, and producer Ekta Kapoor regarding payments they received from Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, a defunct company formerly operated by Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra.
This investigation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the couple, who are currently facing charges in an alleged Rs 60 crore fraud case involving the company. Best Deal TV was launched as India's first celebrity-based teleshopping channel by Shetty, Kundra, and actor Akshay Kumar.
Sources reveal that the EOW intends to gather information from Kapoor, Dhupia, and Basu about compensation they received for promotional activities for the company. "We will be inquiring about payment details and disbursement methods. Letters will be dispatched to them shortly," a source indicated.
Investigators believe Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd made numerous payments to celebrities for branding and promotional services, and they now need to examine these transactions for potential irregularities. "Since the company's funds were allegedly misappropriated, all transactions are under thorough examination," the source explained.
The EOW initiated this case following a complaint against Shetty, Kundra, and unidentified individuals for allegedly defrauding businessman Deepak Kothari of Rs 60.4 crore in a loan-cum-investment arrangement related to Best Deal TV. Kothari, 60, serves as a director at Lotus Capital Finance Services, a non-banking financial company.
Another source mentioned that the EOW has requested copies of shows and promotional content that aired on Best Deal TV featuring these celebrities. Kundra has claimed that all relevant CDs and hard drives were previously seized by the Crime Branch's Property Cell during an investigation into a separate porn case against him. "The EOW is now working to obtain these materials from the crime branch," the source added.
Earlier this month, Lookout Circulars (LOCs) were issued for both Shetty and Kundra. These notices are utilized by authorities to prevent individuals from leaving the country or to monitor their movements by alerting immigration and border officials.
When questioned for over five hours last week regarding the fraud allegations, Kundra maintained his innocence, stating that he has committed no wrongdoing and expressing hope that the truth will eventually be revealed.