Mumbai | Amid an ongoing investigation into a ₹60-crore alleged fraud case involving actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra, reports claiming that Income Tax officials conducted a raid at her Mumbai residence triggered widespread speculation on Thursday. These claims, however, have been categorically denied by the actor’s legal representative, who clarified that no such enforcement action took place and that the development was being misrepresented.
Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra are currently under the scanner of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in connection with the alleged financial irregularities. Against this backdrop, social media posts and some online platforms began circulating reports suggesting that the Income Tax Department had carried out a search operation at the actor’s residence. The claims were promptly rebutted by her lawyer, Prashant Patil, who issued an official statement to set the record straight.
‘No raid of any nature’
In his statement, Patil said, “On behalf of my client Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra, I can confirm that there is no Income Tax ‘raid’ of whatsoever nature against my client. What took place was merely a routine verification by Income Tax officials, which is a standard administrative process.”
He further clarified that the verification had no connection with the alleged ₹60-crore fraud case currently under investigation by the EOW. According to the lawyer, portraying a routine follow-up by tax authorities as a raid was both misleading and irresponsible.
Patil emphasised that the Income Tax Department often conducts periodic verifications or follow-ups with high-profile taxpayers, and such procedures should not automatically be linked to criminal investigations unless officially stated by authorities.
Warning against misinformation
Taking a firm stance against what he described as “mischievous reporting”, Patil warned that legal action could follow against individuals or platforms spreading false information.
“Whosoever has mischievously claimed in the public domain that these developments have anything to do with the alleged Economic Offences Wing case shall face legal consequences before the appropriate court of law,” he said.
Reiterating his position, Patil added, “At the cost of repetition, my client states that there has been no Income Tax raid at her residence.” He described the reports as factually incorrect and damaging.
What is the ₹60-crore case about
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s names have recently surfaced in connection with an alleged ₹60-crore fraud case, which is currently being examined by investigative agencies. While the exact contours of the case are still emerging, officials are scrutinising financial transactions and related documents as part of the probe.
So far, investigating agencies have not released detailed public statements outlining specific charges or findings against the actor. Legal experts note that investigations of this nature often involve extensive verification before any formal conclusions are drawn.
Administrative action versus enforcement
Legal observers point out that there is a crucial distinction between an Income Tax raid, which is a coercive search-and-seizure action under law, and routine verification, which typically involves follow-ups, clarifications or compliance checks.
“Labelling every administrative interaction as a ‘raid’ not only misinforms the public but can also unfairly damage reputations,” a senior tax expert said, adding that such inaccuracies can complicate ongoing investigations.
Celebrity cases and rapid spread of rumours
The episode once again underlines how celebrity-linked legal matters often become fertile ground for rumours and exaggerated claims. With information spreading rapidly through social media, even routine bureaucratic procedures can be sensationalised, creating confusion and public mistrust.
Media analysts say the onus lies on publishers and users alike to verify facts before amplifying unconfirmed reports, particularly when legal proceedings are involved.
The road ahead
For now, the lawyer’s clarification has put to rest claims of an Income Tax raid at Shilpa Shetty’s residence. Investigative agencies are continuing their examination of the alleged fraud case independently, while the actor’s legal team has indicated it will pursue remedies against the circulation of false and misleading information.
Officials have reiterated that any significant enforcement action, if undertaken, would be communicated through proper official channels.
