Businessman Raj Kundra - husband of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty - has issued a strong statement urging media outlets to refrain from associating his wife with ongoing investigations.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted multiple raids on Kundra's properties on Friday as part of a money laundering probe linked to the alleged production and distribution of pornographic content.
The raids carried out at 15 locations across Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh, included Kundra's residence and office. Reports indicated that the ED also questioned Kundra during the search operations.
In response to media reports linking Shilpa Shetty to the case, Kundra clarified his position through a public statement.
"To whom it may concern, while the media seems to have a flair for drama, let's set the record straight: I’m fully complying with the ongoing investigation that has been unfolding for the last four years," Kundra wrote.
"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!"
He added, “It’s unacceptable to repeatedly drag my wife’s name into unrelated matters. Please respect the boundaries!!!"
Shilpa Shetty's advocate issues statement
Amid growing speculation, Shilpa Shetty’s lawyer, Prashant Patil, dismissed claims of ED involvement with his client, calling them "false and misleading."
“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.
As per my instructions, there is no ED raid on Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra as she has nothing to do with any offence of whatsoever nature,” Patil stated.
He reiterated that the ongoing probe concerns Raj Kundra, who has been cooperating with authorities. The lawyer also called on the media to exercise caution when covering the matter, urging outlets to avoid using Shilpa Shetty's name, images, or viadeos in connection with the case.
“Strict cognisance shall be taken against irresponsible journalism wherein the pictures or videos of Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra are shared on this matter,” Patil warned.
Ongoing legal troubles
This latest investigation adds to Kundra’s ongoing legal troubles. Earlier this year, the ED attached assets worth ₹98 crore belonging to Kundra in a cryptocurrency-related money laundering case that also briefly involved Shetty. However, the couple later received relief from the high court.
Details of the current case remain undisclosed, with the ED yet to comment publicly on the findings of Friday’s raids. Kundra, meanwhile, has vowed to cooperate fully with investigators and expressed confidence in his eventual exoneration.
This development continues to dominate headlines, with the ED's investigations raising questions about Kundra's business dealings. Shilpa Shetty, who has maintained her silence on the issue, has chosen to focus on her professional commitments, leaving her lawyer to address the media.
The incident has sparked a larger conversation about media responsibility and ethics. Advocates for privacy have criticized the tendency to link family members to legal cases without evidence. Kundra’s plea to "respect boundaries" highlights the personal toll that media scrutiny can have on individuals not directly involved in investigations.
