Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty Kundra has strongly refuted allegations pertaining to a First Information Report (FIR) filed against the Bengaluru branch of her hospitality venture Bastian. In a detailed public statement, Shetty dismissed the case as “baseless and motivated,” asserting that justice will prevail as legal proceedings unfold.
The Bengaluru Cubbon Park Police Station registered the FIR after authorities claimed that Bastian Garden City, a popular restaurant and pub co-owned by Shetty, continued operations beyond permitted hours on 11 December. It is reported that the establishment remained open until around 1:30 AM, exceeding local regulatory closing times, prompting police action under the Karnataka Police Act.
Shetty’s Response: “Baseless and Motivated Allegations”
In a Wednesday Instagram statement, Shetty vehemently refuted the allegations, asserting that they unfairly depicted the issues as criminal without any legal foundation. “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,” she wrote.
Shetty further explained that a quashing petition has already been filed before the Hon’ble High Court, which is currently pending adjudication. She emphasized that the matter is sub judice and urged the media and public to refrain from speculation while legal processes progress.
Police Investigation and Viral Video
According to law enforcement sources, the FIR followed after a CCTV video from inside the pub was widely shared on social media. The footage showed what authorities described as a verbal exchange between groups of patrons inside the restaurant late at night. Police clarified that no serious physical altercation was reported in the clip.
Subsequent to the FIR, police recorded statements from several individuals seen in the viral footage, though the primary focus remains on whether the establishment violated operational compliance regulations governing nightlife venues in Bengaluru.
Income Tax Raid Adds to Scrutiny
Adding to the scrutiny around the Bastian brand, the Income Tax Department conducted a raid at another Bastian outlet in Dadar, Mumbai, on 17 December, according to reports. Although details of the search operation have not been officially disclosed by tax authorities, the action has intensified public attention on the restaurant chain and its compliance record.
Officials at the pub in Bengaluru have yet to comment publicly on the tax raids, and authorities have indicated that more information will be released once the verification of financial and operational records is complete.
Shetty’s Broader Legal Context
The FIR against Bastian Bengaluru comes amid broader legal challenges for Shetty and her family. In a separate matter, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police is investigating a complaint alleging a Rs 60 crore fraud and cheating case linked to the couple, involving investments and loans from a Mumbai-based businessman. Although Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra, have denied wrongdoing in that case as well, the legal pressure on their business interests remains significant.
While the Bastian matter centres on regulatory compliance and alleged operational violations rather than financial wrongdoing, both controversies have contributed to intense media scrutiny of Shetty’s entrepreneurial activities.
Legal Experts: Regulatory vs. Criminal Claims
Legal analysts suggest that cases related to late-night operations often fall under regulatory compliance issues, meaning that police and municipal authorities may pursue administrative action without necessarily proving criminal intent. Shetty’s defence emphasises this distinction, arguing that transforming procedural questions into criminal charges could be legally inappropriate.
Shetty’s statement highlighted her cooperation with investigating authorities and her confidence in the legal process: “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.”
What Happens Next
The Bengaluru police continue to investigate the case, while the High Court will hear the quashing petition filed by Shetty’s legal team. Industry watchers expect both the legal arguments and regulatory details to play a critical role in determining whether the FIR will stand, be modified, or be struck down as requested in the petition.
As proceedings continue, Shetty’s appeal for responsible media reporting underscores the ongoing public interest and potential reputational impact of high-profile business controversies involving celebrities.
By – Sonali