**Controversy Over Alleged Preferential Treatment to Shilpa Shetty by Mumbai Police’s EOW**
A controversy has erupted in Mumbai regarding the “preferential treatment” allegedly extended to actress Shilpa Shetty by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police. While actor Dino Morea appeared in person at the EOW office to record his statement in the Mithi River desilting scam, officials reportedly visited Shilpa Shetty’s residence to quietly record her statement in the ₹60-crore cheating case on October 4.
### EOW Records Statement at Actress’s Residence
According to sources, EOW officers visited Shilpa Shetty’s home on October 4, the same day her husband, Raj Kundra, was questioned for the second time. Notably, Shilpa Shetty is an accused in the ₹60-crore cheating case, whereas Dino Morea is not an accused in the Mithi River scam.
When asked about the differing treatment, DCP Nimit Goyal told *The Free Press Journal* that under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), certain categories of individuals are exempted from being called to a police station and must instead be examined at their place of residence. These categories include:
– Women
– Male persons under 15 or over 60 years of age
– Mentally or physically disabled individuals
– Persons suffering from acute illness
### Unequal Treatment Raises Questions
Despite this explanation, questions have been raised about why IPS officer Rashmi Karandikar, who is not an accused, was summoned to the EOW office for questioning.
Critics argue that if Shilpa Shetty received special treatment as a woman under BNSS provisions, the EOW should extend similar consideration to other female accused in future cases to maintain consistency and fairness.
### ₹60-Crore Fraud Case: Details of the Probe
The ₹60-crore fraud case involves allegations of cheating a businessman under the guise of an investment scheme. In this context, the EOW questioned Shilpa Shetty for about four and a half hours.
Confirming the interrogation, an EOW officer stated that a team visited the actress’s residence to record her statement. During questioning, Shilpa was asked about ₹15 crore allegedly transferred by Raj Kundra into her advertising company’s bank account. Sources reveal that Shilpa denied receiving any such funds and provided supporting documents, which the EOW is currently verifying.
### Raj Kundra Questioned for Second Time
On October 4, the EOW team also questioned Raj Kundra for the second time. Although he had earlier been summoned to appear in person, the officers decided to question him at home instead, reportedly for around 4.5 hours.
So far, the EOW has recorded statements from Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra, Resolution Professional Rajendra Bhutta, and Deepak Kothari’s son, who is the complainant in the case.
### Ongoing Investigation
The probe into the ₹60-crore cheating case is ongoing, involving allegations of financial misrepresentation and fraudulent investment promises. Authorities continue to investigate all aspects of the case to uncover the truth behind these serious charges.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-eow-faces-flak-for-alleged-preferential-treatment-to-shilpa-shetty-in-60-crore-fraud-case