Businessman Raj Kundra is once again in the headlines — this time after the Mumbai Police issued a Lookout Circular (LOC) against him and his wife, Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, in a ₹60-crore cheating case. The case, registered at Juhu police station last month, alleges that a businessman was duped in a loan-cum-investment deal.
A Lookout Circular is a preventive measure issued by law enforcement agencies when there is reason to believe that an accused may attempt to leave India to evade investigation. Immigration authorities are directed to stop such individuals at airports and other exit points until further notice.
While the investigation is still in its early stages, the development has reignited public debate around Kundra’s chequered track record and why controversies seem to follow him so persistently.
For someone who began his career as a promising entrepreneur with ventures spanning real estate, sports, and entertainment, Kundra’s name has frequently surfaced in cases that raised legal and ethical questions.
The most high-profile case was in 2021, when he was involved in a pornography case. He was arrested for allegedly producing and distributing adult content via mobile apps. Though he was later granted bail, the incident dominated national headlines, severely denting his reputation.
Before that, Kundra was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) betting scandal, which led to the suspension of the Rajasthan Royals franchise in which he held a stake. While no conviction followed, his name continued to be linked with the episode, reinforcing his image as a businessman frequently operating in grey zones.
Observers point out that Kundra’s penchant for high-stakes ventures makes him particularly vulnerable to scrutiny. From cricket leagues and reality shows to tech start-ups and fitness apps, he has consistently placed himself at the intersection of money, celebrity, and controversy.
His marriage to Shilpa Shetty, one of Bollywood’s most recognisable stars, further ensures that every allegation attracts disproportionate media attention.
Legal experts say that the two main reasons why Kundra’s troubles keep recurring are, firstly, that several of his ventures involve complicated financial arrangements, making him a frequent target of allegations of fraud or misrepresentation, secondly, whether it was the online streaming model in the pornography case or betting in the IPL scandal, Kundra has often ventured into businesses that operate on the edges of legality.
Shilpa Shetty has largely maintained silence through her husband’s legal entanglements, focusing on her career and wellness brand.
But each controversy has inevitably cast a shadow on her public image as well. In 2021, she had to issue a statement urging privacy for her family after Kundra’s arrest. With the new LOC in place, Shetty once again finds herself pulled into a storm not of her making.
While Kundra continues to maintain his innocence in past and present cases, the constant cycle of allegations and probes has left his public standing battered.
Whether this latest case leads to formal charges or is eventually settled, it adds to a growing list of disputes that have defined his career more than his business achievements.
For now, Raj Kundra remains a man whose name has become synonymous with controversy.
Police officials indicated that the couple will likely be summoned for questioning in the coming days.