MUMBAI: From the high-stakes world of multi-crore investments to late-night brawls in Bengaluru, Bollywood’s fitness icon Shilpa Shetty is facing a “perfect storm” of legal drama. But true to her resilient spirit, the actress isn’t staying silent.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Shetty issued a stinging clarification, slamming allegations against her upscale restaurant chain, Bastian, and a massive ₹60.48 crore fraud case as nothing more than a coordinated attempt to tarnish her image.
The Statement: “Don’t Give it a Criminal Colour”
The trouble began when Bengaluru police booked Bastian Garden City—a venue Shetty co-owns—for allegedly flouting the 1:00 AM closing time. Viral CCTV footage from December 11 showed a heated argument involving patrons around 1:30 AM, prompting a suo motu case by the authorities.
Shilpa’s response was swift and sharp, as she categorically denied the “baseless and motivated” allegations. In an Instagram post, Shetty wrote,
“We categorically reject the baseless and motivated allegations being circulated. The issues sought to be raised are being given a criminal colour without any lawful basis.”
She confirmed that a “Quashing Petition” has already been filed in the High Court. She insisted that the matter is being unfairly painted with a criminal brush despite her full cooperation with the investigation.
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IT Raids on Shilpa Shetty’s Bastian on Wednesday
Adding to the chaos, the Income Tax Department conducted surprise raids on Wednesday at Bastian outlets in both Bengaluru and Dadar, Mumbai. While officials haven’t shared specifics yet, the timing has sent shockwaves through the industry.
These searches come at a time when the restaurant chain is already under fire for regulatory violations, leaving fans and business rivals alike buzzing about what the authorities might find behind the closed doors of these celebrity-favourite dining spots.
The ₹60 Crore “Best Deal TV” Case Explained
While the pub row grabbed headlines, a much larger legal battle is brewing in Mumbai involving a staggering sum of money. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has escalated a fraud probe against Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra, recently adding the serious charge of Section 420 (Cheating) to the FIR.
The case, filed by businessman Deepak Kothari, alleges that the couple induced him to invest and loan over ₹60 crore into their now-defunct home shopping venture, Best Deal TV, only for the funds to be allegedly misappropriated.
In a dramatic twist, the Bombay High Court has suggested the couple deposit the full amount or provide a bank guarantee if they wish to have their “Lookout Circular” lifted to travel to London.
Eyes on the Big Screen: Upcoming Projects
Despite the legal hurdles, Shilpa’s professional calendar remains packed with major milestones. She is set to make a massive splash in South Indian cinema with the high-octane Kannada period action drama KD – The Devil.
In this film, she portrays the powerful and regal character Satyavati Agnihotri alongside Dhruva Sarja and Sanjay Dutt. Beyond the silver screen, Shetty is also busy with her culinary rebrandings, recently launching Ammakai in Bandra, proving that she is determined to keep her business and acting career moving forward even as the legal storm rages on.
