**Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra Approach Bombay High Court Over Rs 60-Crore Cheating Case**
Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband Raj Kundra have moved the Bombay High Court, seeking to quash a Rs 60-crore cheating case registered against them by the Mumbai police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW).
### Background of the Case
The case originates from a complaint filed by Deepak Kothari, director of Lotus Capital Financial Services Ltd, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). Kothari alleged that between 2015 and 2023, the couple, through an agent named Rajesh Arya, induced him to invest Rs 60 crores in their now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd.
According to Kothari, the funds were misappropriated for personal benefits instead of being used for business purposes as promised. The First Information Report (FIR) mentions a 2015 meeting at a five-star hotel in Juhu where Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra, Arya, and Kothari were present. During this meeting, the couple allegedly represented themselves as directors of Best Deal TV and requested a business loan, assuring Kothari of monthly returns and repayment of the principal amount.
The complaint further alleges that the funds were routed as an “investment” to avoid higher taxation.
### The Couple’s Defense
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s legal team have stated that the FIR is based on false and distorted facts, calling it “maliciously filed with an ulterior and malafide motive to extort money.” Shilpa Shetty has clarified that she was not involved in the day-to-day affairs of the company and was associated with it only for a limited period.
The couple has contended that the dispute is civil in nature, arising from a failed business venture and investment loss, further exacerbated by economic challenges such as demonetisation.
### Court Proceedings
The Bombay High Court heard the couple’s plea on Monday and directed them to provide a copy of their petitions to the complainant, Deepak Kothari. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on November 20.
Additionally, the couple has sought protection against any coercive action or the filing of a chargesheet pending the disposal of their petitions.
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