Was Raj Kundra framed in the pornography case?

Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty's spouse, businessman Raj Kundra, has recently been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for interrogation regarding a pornography-related case. This development follows the ED's raids at multiple locations linked to Kundra as part of an inquiry into money laundering associated with the production and distribution of pornographic material.

Kundra was apprehended by the Mumbai Police in July 2021 for his alleged involvement in the creation and dissemination of such content, although he was subsequently granted bail. He has persistently refuted the allegations, asserting that he has been made a "scapegoat" in this matter and claiming wrongful involvement. The case continues to garner significant attention, with further developments anticipated as the investigation progresses.

Kundra has now chosen to speak out regarding the case. After several months of maintaining a discreet profile, he has addressed the ongoing investigation and the allegations levelled against him.

Kundra said, “Till date, I have not been a part of any pornography, any production, nothing to with porn at all. When this allegation came to light, it was very hurtful. The reason the bail happened was because there were no facts or evidence to this. I know I have not done anything wrong. As far as running an App is concerned, there was a listed company in my son’s name and we used to provide technology services. We provided technology services to my brother-in-law’s company Kenrin, in which he had launched an App running from the UK, it was bold for sure, it was made for the older audience, these were A-rated films but they were not pornographic at all."

#WATCH | Mumbai | On the money laundering probe linked to the pornography case, Businessman Raj Kundra says "For the last 3 years, the media was doing so much speculation, I felt that my participation is not needed in these speculations. To me sometimes silence is bliss but when… pic.twitter.com/cFXPxIREJp

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2024

Shilpa Shetty's husband posed, "As far as my involvement is concerned, it is purely been a technology provider. Let a girl come forward who says that I have met Raj Kundra or worked in any of his movies, or has Raj Kundra ever produced any movie. Media says Raj Kundra is the kingpin of all 13 Apps, I am involved in the participation of software technology only and nothing wrong was being run in that app."

Why Raj Kundra was indicted

In February 2021, Mumbai Police initiated an investigation into a pornography ring following multiple complaints from women. These individuals reported being enticed to produce explicit material under the pretence of auditions for web series and films. They asserted that they were pressured into finishing the shoots, which were later disseminated online via subscription services such as HotHit Movies, Hotshots and platforms like Nuefliks and Hothitmovies. As the inquiry advanced, Raj Kundra emerged as a key figure in the investigation, attracting considerable media scrutiny.