Mumbai: The Mumbai police have issued a Lookout Circular (LOC) against film actor Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband Raj Kundra in connection with an alleged cheating case involving nearly ₹60 crore. The action was taken by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the city police to restrict their frequent international travel, officials confirmed on Friday.
Case registered in Juhu police station
The case against the celebrity couple was registered at Juhu police station on August 14 following a complaint lodged by a businessman. According to the complainant, he was allegedly duped of nearly ₹60 crore in a loan-cum-investment deal involving Shetty and Kundra.
Police sources said the businessman had entered into financial dealings with the couple under the impression that the investments would yield assured returns. However, when the promised outcomes did not materialise, he approached the police with allegations of cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Purpose of the LOC
Officials clarified that the LOC was issued as a precautionary measure, given the couple’s frequent foreign trips. A Lookout Circular is an investigative tool used to prevent individuals under probe from leaving the country or to keep track of their movements at airports and border points.
Immigration authorities across international terminals and checkpoints have been alerted, ensuring that the couple cannot travel abroad without prior clearance.
Ongoing investigation
The Economic Offences Wing is currently conducting a detailed probe into the complaint, examining financial records, transaction details, and communication between the parties involved. Police officials said further action, including possible questioning of the accused, would be based on the findings of the investigation.
The couple has not yet issued any public statement in response to the case or the LOC.
Background of Raj Kundra’s controversies
This is not the first time Raj Kundra has faced police action. In 2021, he was arrested in connection with an alleged pornography racket case and later released on bail. The current allegations, however, are financial in nature and involve a much larger monetary claim.
Shilpa Shetty, a prominent Bollywood actor, has largely kept away from public controversies, though her association with Kundra has often drawn media attention whenever his business dealings have come under scrutiny.
Conclusion
The issuance of a Lookout Circular against Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra marks a significant development in the ₹60 crore cheating case. With the EOW intensifying its probe, the couple’s movements will remain restricted until the investigation progresses further. The case highlights the use of LOCs as a key mechanism in financial fraud probes where suspects have the means to travel abroad.