Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations linking her to a significant financial fraud case amounting to Rs 60 crore. In an official statement released on December 18, Shetty categorically denied any wrongdoing and clarified the nature of her limited association with the implicated company.
The Core Allegations and Immediate Denial
The case, originally filed in August, stems from a complaint by businessman Deepak Kothari, who serves as the director of Lotus Capital Financial Services Ltd. Kothari has accused Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, of cheating him out of over Rs 60 crore during the period between 2015 and 2023. The central claim is that the couple accepted funds under the guise of business expansion but allegedly diverted the money for personal expenses instead.
Addressing these claims head-on, Shilpa Shetty expressed deep distress over what she termed a "baseless attempt" to involve her. She emphasized that her involvement with the company was strictly non-executive, providing no operational control, financial authority, or decision-making power. She further stated that her professional engagement was limited to endorsing products for a home shopping channel, for which she claims payments are still outstanding.
Shetty's Counter-Claim: A Rs 20 Crore Family Loan
In a significant revelation that turns the tables on the narrative, Shetty disclosed that her family had financially supported the company in question. She asserted that a substantial loan of approximately Rs 20 crore was extended to the company by her family, and this amount remains unpaid to date.
Her statement questioned the timing of the allegations, pointing out an "unexplained delay of nearly nine years." She argued that the attempt to impose criminal liability on her is legally unsustainable and runs contrary to established legal principles. Shetty also highlighted the personal toll, stating that such allegations unfairly damage a woman's dignity, integrity, and reputation in the public sphere.
Legal Recourse and Calls for Media Restraint
Both Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra have taken formal legal steps to challenge the case. They have filed a quashing petition before the Bombay High Court, expressing full confidence in the judicial process to deliver justice. In their respective statements, they have requested responsible media reporting and urged restraint, noting that the matter is now sub judice, meaning it is under active judicial consideration.
Raj Kundra also took to social media platform X to deny the allegations, describing them as "baseless and motivated." He reiterated that they have fully cooperated with the investigation and maintain faith in the law enforcement authorities and the Indian judiciary.
As the legal battle prepares to unfold in the Bombay High Court, the spotlight remains on the conflicting claims. The case presents a stark contrast between allegations of financial misappropriation and counter-claims of being a creditor with a significant unpaid loan.
