ED summons Raj Kundra for continuous investigation into pornographic rackets for 18 hours at Juhu Residence

Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned businessman Raj Kundra to appear before the financial investigation agency next week in connection with the ongoing probe into an alleged pornographic racket. The summons was issued soon after ED officials completed a search operation at his Juhu residence early on Saturday morning. The agency is believed to be investigating money laundering related to the production and distribution of explicit content through various apps and online platforms.

The ED’s search lasted more than 18 hours.

Raj Kundra responded to the searches by sharing a statement on his Instagram Story on Saturday (November 30), claiming he is “fully complying” with the ED investigation. He wrote:

“To Whom It May Concern… While the media seems to have a flair for drama, let’s set the record straight. I am fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation that has unfolded over the past four years. Regarding the claims made by ‘colleagues, ‘Pornography’ and ‘money laundering’, let’s just say that no amount of sensationalism will cloud the truth. Ultimately, justice will prevail.

During the search operation at his residential and official premises, Raj Kundra was present and questioned by ED officials. They confronted him about multiple financial transactions related to Viaan Industries and other related entities. The agency checked bank records showing transfers from shell companies to Kundra’s companies and associated companies, and investigated possible links to the production and distribution of pornographic content.

Details of the findings of the operation, including the seizure and freezing of assets, are awaited.

Besides Raj Kundra, actor Gehana Vashisht has also been summoned by the ED to appear before the financial investigation agency next week. Her premises were also searched as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged pornography racket. However, she did not respond to calls from FPJ.

Vashisht was reportedly one of the main suspects arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch in connection with the case in 2021. Vashisht, a small-time actor, was a central figure in the investigation due to her alleged role in directing and producing explicit films, which were later distributed through mobile applications and online platforms.

According to investigations by the Mumbai Police, Vashisht allegedly forced aspiring actors to participate in these adult films under false pretenses. These videos were then uploaded to apps like ‘Hotshots’, linked to Raj Kundra, and monetized.

In 2022, Vashisht filed for dismissal, maintaining her innocence and claiming that she was producing erotic but legal content for OTT platforms under valid contracts. She has also taken legal action and claims she is not involved in the distribution of explicit content.