Pornography case: ED question actor Gehana Vashisht for more than six hours in money laundering probe

Before joining the probe, she spoke to the media outside the ED office and said, “My place was raided by the agency a few days ago and they were there for 24-hours. My bank accounts, mutual funds are all frozen.” She added, “I haven’t worked with Raj Kundra, I worked for Umesh Kamath, who had an office in Kundra’s office. Whenever a film project is made, the earnings/profits are paid to the artists, technicians and staff, etc. I have paid all these people from the money I have received. Whatever (money) was left I kept that as my remuneration.”

After questioning, ED allowed her to leave by 6.30pm. After stepping out, she again spoke to journalists and said that she was questioned about Kundra and some overseas monetary transactions. She said that she had made 11 films for Hotshots, and received Rs 33 lakh for the same. “We made erotic films, not porn. Nearly 20-25 directors worked on these films, but they were spared, only small people like me were put on the radar,” Vashisht said.

She has been called in again for questioning on Tuesday.

Last week, the ED conducted raids at 15 properties of Raj Kundra and his associates in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh. Among the places raided were Kundra’s residence in Juhu and premises belonging to Vashisht. Several bank accounts and demat accounts of Kundra and Vashisht were also frozen by the agency, sources added.

The ED in May 2022 registered a case of money laundering against Kundra in connection with a pornography case, based on the FIR registered against him by Mumbai Police in 2021 for allegedly running a porn racket. Kundra was arrested in connection with the case, pertaining to which the ED is probing his financial transactions. Vashisht had in September 2021 secured protection from arrest from the Supreme Court in the case.

The alleged pornography racket pertains to February 2021, when Mumbai police made the first arrests in the case. Mumbai Police crime branch had conducted raids at a bungalow in Madh Island where pornographic films were being shot.

Eventually, Kundra was arrested after investigations revealed him to be an alleged key conspirator in the case.

Kundra has already skipped two summons from the agency. Sources said that Kundra has sought time from the agency and is likely to join the investigation this week.