The Enforcement Directorate (ED), on Friday (November 29) conducted raids on the premises of businessman Raj Kundra, husband of actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra. The searches were part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged money laundering case which is linked to porn distribution racket. Raj has now reacted to the raid and slammed media for dragging Shilpa’s name into the matter.
Raj also stated that he is ‘fully complying’ with the ED investigation.
Taking to his Instagram story on Saturday (November 30), Raj wrote, “To whom it may concern… While the media seems to have a flair for drama, let’s set the record straight. I am fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation that has been unfolding for the past 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.”
“A note to the media: It’s unacceptable to repeatedly drag my wife’s name into unrelated matters. Please respect the boundaries,” he added.
On Friday, Shilpa’s lawyer, Prashant Patil, had reacted to news reports that connected her to the ongoing investigation.
In a statement, Patil clarified, “There have been reports in the media saying that my client Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra has been raided by the Enforcement Directorate. These reports are not true and are misleading. As per my instructions, there is no Enforcement Directorate raid on her as she has nothing to do with any offence of whatsoever nature. However, the case in question is an ongoing investigation regarding Mr Raj Kundra and he is cooperating with the investigation for truth to come out.”
“I would request the electronic and print media to refrain from using the videos, pictures and name of Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra as she has nothing to do with the case. Strict cognisance shall be taken against irresponsible journalism wherein the pictures or videos of her are shared on this matter,” the lawyer added.
The ED has raided Raj’s residence in Mumbai. Additionally, the the investigative agency is conducting searches at 15 locations across Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
On October 3, Kundra, who is facing accusations of money laundering through bitcoin, received a notice from the ED, instructing him to vacate his Juhu bungalow and Pune farmhouse. In response, he filed a petition with the Mumbai High Court challenging the notice.
The businessman was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch in July 2021 in connection with pornography case, facing multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act.
