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Mumbai: The Income Tax Department on Wednesday conducted searches at the office premises of multiple food and beverage companies in and around Mumbai, including a restaurant linked to actor Shilpa Shetty, in connection with alleged tax evasion. Official sources said 20 to 24 premises were searched after the department received “actionable inputs” suggesting that certain firms in the sector were engaged in off-the-books cash transactions.
Sources confirmed that some of the premises searched included offices of a restaurant co-owned by Shetty, but categorically denied reports claiming that her Mumbai residence was raided.
The tax department clarified that the current investigation is not connected to any Maharashtra Police FIR against Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra on alleged fraud charges, nor to a separate case registered by the Bengaluru police against a local restaurant accused of operating beyond permitted hours. The Bengaluru restaurant is also stated to be co-owned by the actor.
Shetty, Kundra Deny Allegations
Following reports of the raids, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra issued a joint statement on social media, categorically denying any wrongdoing. They said they were fully cooperating with the authorities and expressed confidence that justice would prevail.
“We have complete faith in law enforcement agencies and the judicial system of the country,” the statement said. Income Tax officials said the searches are ongoing and further details would emerge after the examination of documents and financial records seized during the operation.
