Mumbai Tax Raids Target Food & Beverage Firms, Spotlight Falls on Shilpa Shetty-Linked Company

The Income Tax Department launched a major operation in Mumbai this week. Officials raided multiple food and beverages companies suspected of tax evasion. Among the businesses searched was a company connected to Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty.

The searches began on Wednesday across 20-24 premises. According to official sources cited by PTI, the action followed “actionable” intelligence. The companies are alleged to have engaged in undisclosed cash transactions.

Scope of Investigation Separates Tax Probe from Other Legal Cases

The tax raids specifically targeted companies in the food sector. Investigators are looking for evidence of “out of the books” financial activities. The operation included searches at a restaurant co-owned by Shilpa Shetty.

Official sources clarified the actor’s private residence was not searched. They also stressed this investigation is separate from other cases involving the celebrity couple. It is not linked to a Maharashtra Police fraud case or a Bengaluru restaurant timing violation.

Shetty and Kundra Deny Allegations, Affirm Faith in Judicial System

Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, have publicly responded. They issued a statement denying all allegations against them. The couple stated they have fully cooperated with all investigations.

They expressed confidence that justice will prevail through the legal system. A petition to quash the fraud case is already pending before the High Court. The couple urged media restraint as the matter is now sub-judice.

This series of Mumbai tax raids underscores a continued crackdown on financial irregularities in high-profile sectors. The involvement of a celebrity-linked company ensures the case will remain under intense public and media scrutiny for the foreseeable future.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What prompted the Income Tax raids in Mumbai?

The raids were based on specific, actionable intelligence received by officials. The department suspected several food and beverage companies of hiding transactions and evading taxes through cash deals.

Q2: Was Shilpa Shetty’s home searched by tax officials?

No. Official sources have explicitly denied that Shetty’s private residence was raided. The searches were confined to business premises, including a restaurant she co-owns.

Q3: How is this tax case related to other police cases against the couple?

Authorities state the tax investigation is entirely separate. It is not connected to a Mumbai police fraud case or a separate Bengaluru police case about restaurant operating hours.

Q4: What has been the response from Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra?

The couple has categorically denied all allegations. They assert full cooperation with probes and have faith in the judiciary. They have also filed a petition in court to dismiss the fraud case.

Q5: How many locations were covered in the raid operation?

The Income Tax Department searched approximately 20 to 24 different premises in and around Mumbai. The operation targeted the offices of several companies within the food and beverage industry.