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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a wide-ranging investigation into a money laundering case allegedly involving Raj Kundra, the husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. This extensive operation involved simultaneous raids across multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai, highlighting the significant scale of the investigation. The raids, conducted on Friday, targeted individuals suspected of being involved in the production and distribution of pornographic content through digital platforms, specifically linked to the 'Hotshots' app. The ED's actions signal a determined effort to unravel the complex financial network allegedly used to profit from these illegal activities.
One of the key locations targeted in Uttar Pradesh was Kanpur, where the ED focused its attention on a flat belonging to Arvind Srivastava, an IIT Kanpur graduate residing in Singapore. Srivastava is alleged to have played a crucial role in the production aspects of Kundra's ventures. The investigation uncovered suspicious transactions totaling over Rs 2 crore in the bank account of Srivastava's wife, Harshita, between 2019 and 2021. This significant sum raises serious questions about the source of the funds and their connection to Kundra's alleged illegal activities. Given Arvind Srivastava's six-year absence from India, his father, Narmada Srivastava, was questioned by ED officials to shed light on these financial dealings.
The ED's investigation extended to Gorakhpur, where Atul Srivastava, the owner of a software company, was questioned. The focus of the questioning centered on international transactions suspected of being linked to Kundra's platforms. The ED believes that Atul Srivastava provided essential technical support for the digital operations associated with the alleged distribution of pornographic content. This suggests a sophisticated network of individuals working together to facilitate the illegal activity.
Further searches were conducted in Kushinagar's Padrauna area, targeting Pramod Srivastava and another unidentified suspect. Both individuals are believed to have played supporting roles in managing the digital operations for Kundra's alleged ventures. The coordinated nature of these searches across multiple cities and states demonstrates the ED's comprehensive approach to dismantling the network suspected of facilitating the illegal activities.
The money laundering case originates from FIRs filed by the Mumbai Police in 2021, alleging that Kundra and his associates utilized the 'Hotshots' app to distribute obscene content. Kundra, who was arrested and subsequently granted bail, has consistently denied direct involvement in creating the content, claiming he was falsely implicated. However, the investigation revealed a pattern of coercion, where aspiring actors were allegedly promised roles in web series but were then forced into performing semi-nude or nude scenes against their will. These videos were allegedly uploaded and streamed via apps like 'Hotshots', forming the basis of the current investigation.
The ED's investigation is focused on tracing the flow of funds generated from these alleged illegal activities. The agency is meticulously examining how the proceeds were channeled through accounts within India and internationally. This is not the first time Kundra and Shetty have faced scrutiny from the ED. Earlier this year, the ED attached assets worth Rs 98 crore belonging to the couple in connection with a separate cryptocurrency case. However, the couple successfully secured relief against the attachment order from the Bombay High Court. The current investigation underscores the gravity of the allegations and the ED's determination to bring those responsible to justice.
The scale of the ED's operation, encompassing multiple cities and a significant number of suspects, underscores the serious nature of the allegations against Raj Kundra and his associates. The investigation’s focus on financial transactions, technical support, and the alleged coercion of aspiring actors paints a picture of a complex network involved in the production and distribution of illegal content. The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for the individuals involved and will likely serve as a cautionary tale for others involved in similar activities.
Source: ED Raids UP Locations in Raj Kundra's Money Laundering Investigation