Income Tax Raids Shilpa Shetty’s Mumbai Residence in Bastian Restaurant Case

Income tax officials on Thursday conducted raids at Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty's Mumbai residence as part of an ongoing probe linked to her restaurant venture, Bastian, sources said. Searches were also carried out at locations in Bengaluru in connection with the same case.

Shilpa Shetty is a co-owner of Bastian, a popular restaurant brand that started operations in Mumbai in the mid-2010s. Officials indicated that the action is part of a wider financial investigation involving the business.

Income Tax Raids Linked to Bastian Restaurant

According to officials, the searches are connected to financial dealings related to Bastian. While authorities have not officially detailed the findings so far, the action in multiple cities suggests that investigators are examining transactions linked to the restaurant brand and associated entities.

Cheating Charge Added in Rs 60 Crore Fraud Case

Separately, Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband Raj Kundra have been charged with cheating in a Rs 60 crore fraud case. The Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing registered a First Information Report following a complaint by businessman Deepak Kothari, who alleged that he was cheated in a loan-cum-investment arrangement.

A statement issued by the complainant's lawyers said that during the probe, the EOW found material that justified adding the cheating charge. With this development, the scope of the investigation into the alleged Rs 60 crore fraud is expected to widen further.

ED Action Sought Under PMLA

The statement also noted that the complainant plans to approach the Enforcement Directorate, seeking identification, tracing and seizure of the alleged proceeds of crime. The lawyers said they would request the attachment of assets under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Background of the Rs 60 Crore Case

The case dates back to August 14, when police registered an FIR against Kundra and Shetty in Mumbai. At the time, both were directors of the now-defunct Best Deal TV Private Limited, a home shopping and online retail company.

Kothari alleged that between 2015 and 2023, he was induced to invest nearly Rs 60 crore in the company, but the money was allegedly diverted for personal use. During the investigation, Kundra claimed that part of the amount was paid as professional fees to actors Bipasha Basu and Neha Dhupia.

Earlier, in October, Kundra had stated that his company, which dealt in electrical and household appliances, suffered heavy losses after demonetisation was implemented in 2016. He maintained that the financial crisis left the firm unable to repay the borrowed funds.