‘Routine Verification’: Shilpa Shetty's Lawyer Denies Income Tax Raid At Her Mumbai Home

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra has denied reports that her Mumbai residence was raided by Income Tax officials, with her legal team saying that no such action took place.

In a statement issued on

behalf of the actor, Advocate Prashant Patil clarified that there was no Income Tax “raid” of any nature conducted against his client. He said that there was a routine verification by the income tax officials pertaining to follow up with Shilpa Shetty.

“At the cost of repetition, my client Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra states that there is no income tax ‘raid’ at her place,” the statement said. Advocate Patil further warned that individuals or entities “mischievously” linking these developments to any alleged case involving the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) would face legal consequences before the appropriate court of law.

The clarification came after reports circulated that Income Tax officials had raided the actress’s residence as part of a probe linked to her restaurant business, Bastian. Shetty is a co-owner of the brand, which was founded in 2014.

According to officials, the Income Tax department conducted search operations at Bastian, located in Mumbai’s Dadar area, on Wednesday morning, December 17. Searches were also reportedly carried out at certain premises in Bengaluru in connection with the case.

Earlier this week, Bengaluru Police registered an FIR against Bastian for allegedly operating beyond permitted hours and allowing late-night parties in violation of rules. The case was registered suo motu under Section 103 of the Karnataka Police Act and filed at the Cubbon Park Police Station.

It was alleged that the establishment continued operations until 1.30 am on December 11, beyond the stipulated closing time. Cases were reportedly registered against the managers and staff of the restaurant.

However, Shetty denied all allegations in an Instagram post and wrote, “We categorically deny the baseless and motivated allegations being circulated. The issues sought to be raised are being given a criminal colour without any lawful basis. A Quashing Petition has already been filed before the Hon’ble High Court and is pending adjudication. Having fully cooperated with the investigation, we are sanguine that justice will prevail and have complete faith in the law enforcement authorities and the judicial system of our country. We respectfully urge the media to exercise restraint as the matter is sub judice (sic).”

The issues surrounding Bastian have emerged at a time when Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, have also been booked by the Economic Offences Wing for allegedly cheating a Mumbai-based businessman of Rs 60 crore in connection with a loan-cum-investment deal.