Explained: Shilpa Shetty’s connection to Raj Kundra’s controversial pornography case

On July 19, Raj Kundra was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch for the production and distribution of pornographic content. The 45-year-old businessman is married to Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, and she, too, has been dragged into the controversy. While Raj Kundra has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days, the Crime Branch has raided his multiple properties and is probing all the people connected to him. Here’s taking a look at Shilpa’s connection to this controversial pornography case.

When the Crime Branch officials recorded Shilpa Shetty's statement in the case, she denied her involvement in husband Raj Kundra’s company. The actress claimed that she is not aware of the exact content of the HotShots app. She also mentioned that erotica is different from porn, the distribution of which her husband has been accused. She maintained that he is not involved in producing porn content.

Sources have informed ETimes that Shilpa Shetty came under the scanner because she had resigned from the director’s position at Viaan Industries. Since the porn production and distribution were allegedly being handled by Viaan Industries, the cops are now probing if Shilpa benefitted in any way from the money generated by the company. The source also revealed that Shilpa’s bank accounts will also be checked for the same and the Crime Branch will ascertain how long she served as a director.

While the cops have already recorded Shilpa Shetty’s statement in the case, the Bollywood actress is likely to be called again for interrogation by the investigating officials. Also, her mobile phone details may be probed. According to a report on IndiaTV, the Mumbai Crime Branch is planning to clone Shilpa Shetty's phone as part of the ongoing probe. However, no official has confirmed this detail yet.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the Mumbai Crime Branch has confirmed that Shilpa Shetty’s role will be further probed in the matter. An official told ANI, “Shilpa Shetty hasn't been given a clean chit yet. All possibilities/angles are being probed. Forensic auditors are appointed and they are looking into the transactions of all accounts in this case. Other directors of Viaan Industries (Raj Kundra's company) will also be called for statements, as and when needed.”