ED summons Raj Kundra for questioning in connection with ongoing pornography racket investigation after search operation at his Juhu residence | File Photo
Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned businessman Raj Kundra to appear next week before the financial probe agency in connection with its ongoing investigation into an alleged pornography racket. The summons were issued shortly after ED officials concluded a search operation at his Juhu residence early on Saturday morning. The agency is probing suspected money laundering related to the production and distribution of explicit content through various apps and online platforms.
The search operation conducted by the ED lasted over 18 hours.
Raj Kundra has responded to the searches by sharing a statement on his Instagram story on Saturday (November 30), asserting that he is “fully complying” with the ED investigation. He 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.”
During the search operation at his residential and official premises, Raj Kundra was present and questioned by ED officials. They confronted him with multiple financial transactions linked to Viaan Industries and other associated entities. The agency reviewed bank records indicating transfers from shell companies to Kundra’s businesses and linked firms, investigating potential connections to the production and distribution of pornographic content.
Details regarding the findings of the operation, including the seizing and freezing of assets, are awaited.
Alongside Raj Kundra, actor Gehana Vashisht has also been summoned by the ED to appear before the financial probe agency next week. Her premises were also searched as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged pornography racket.However, she did not respond to calls from FPJ.
Vashisht was allegedly one of the main accused arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch in 2021 in connection with the case. A small-time actor, Vashisht has been a central figure in the investigation due to her alleged role in directing and producing explicit films, which were later distributed via mobile applications and online platforms.
According to Mumbai Police investigation, Vashisht allegedly coerced aspiring actors under false pretenses to participate in these adult films. These videos were then uploaded on apps like “Hotshots,” linked to Raj Kundra, and monetized for profit.
In 2022, Vashisht filed a discharge application, maintaining her innocence and arguing that she was producing erotic but lawful content for OTT platforms under valid contracts. She has also sought legal recourse, claiming no involvement in the distribution of explicit content.
