FAST DOWNLOAD
Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned actor and producer Gehana Vasisth for around 7 hours on Monday as part of its ongoing investigation into a money laundering case linked to a pornography racket. Vashisht, was summoned by the agency last week, was interrogated by ED officials regarding her alleged involvement in financial transactions connected to businessman Raj Kundra, a key figure at the center of the controversy.
She was called in again for questioning on Tuesday. Vashisht was allowed to leave after her lengthy questioning on Monday.
Businessman Raj Kundra, who has previously been summoned in te same case, had skipped two earlier summonses, requesting more time to appear before the agency.
The 31-year-old actress was questioned regarding her involvement with Kundra’s linked digital content platform, Hotshots, and the payments she received for her work.
Stepping out of the ED office after seven hours questioning, Vashisht confirmed that the investigation centered on financial dealings involving Raj Kundra and several international transactions. The actress explained that she had worked on nearly 11 erotic films produced for Hotshots and was paid Rs 33 lakh for her work, with payments reportedly routed from Kenrin, a US-based company linked to Kundra.
Vashisht firmly denied any association with pornographic material, asserting that the films she participated in were of an “erotic” nature, not pornography. She added that, while over 20 directors worked on these projects, the focus was solely on artists like herself, despite their minimal involvement. “Only small people like me were put on the radar,” Vashisht said.
She added, She was questioned about whether she had met Raj Kundra, engaged in any dealings with him, or received funds from his account to hers. In her response, she said that she clarified to the agency that she never worked with Raj Kundra directly. she was employed by Umesh Kamath, the Managing Director(MD) of Hotshots, who operated from an office within Kundra’s premises. Vashisht revealed that she had been paid Rs 3 lakh per film, with the remaining funds going toward payments for technicians, artists, and staff involved in the production process.
“I was paid directly by Kamath, not by Kundra himself,” she stated. “At Kamath’s instruction, I produce the films, with him overseeing all aspects, including script selection and finalizing the cast. I was paid an advance of 1.5 lakhs for production. Once the film was completed, it was sent to Kamath for a final review. Afterward, the movie was sent via link to US based Kenrin Company. Upon approval, we raised a voucher for the remaining payment, which was transferred to our accounts in pounds from Kenrin, a company I understand is connected to Raj Kundra. We converted the currency, and there was nothing suspicious or indicative of money laundering.”
Last week, the ED conducted raids at 15 locations linked to Raj Kundra and his associates, including his Juhu residence and office, and locations connected to Vashisht. Several bank and demat accounts belonging to both Kundra and Vashisht were also frozen during these operations, sources added.
In May 2022, the ED registered a money laundering case against Kundra in relation to a pornography racket, following an FIR filed by the Mumbai Police in 2021. Kundra was arrested in connection with the case, and the ED has since been probing his financial transactions. Vashisht had secured protection from arrest in September 2021 from the Supreme Court.
Pornography Racket Investigation: Gehana Vasisth Questioned By ED For Second Day, Reveals Details About Raj Kundra Meeting, Umesh Kamat, And Bold Film Offers
The alleged pornography racket was first uncovered in February 2021 when Mumbai Police made multiple arrests after raiding a bungalow in Madh Island where pornographic films were being shot. Investigations later revealed Raj Kundra’s alleged involvement as a key conspirator, leading to his arrest.
