The Income Tax Department carried out search operations at Bastian, the popular Mumbai restaurant co-owned by actor Shilpa Shetty, in the Dadar area on Wednesday, December 17.
According to sources cited by News18, officials conducted the searches early in the morning, though the exact nature and scope of the investigation are yet to be officially disclosed. Authorities have not released a formal statement so far, and further details are awaited.
Bastian is co-owned by Shilpa Shetty and restaurateur Ranjit Bindra. Since its launch in 2016, the upscale restaurant chain has built a strong reputation for its seafood-centric menu and vibrant nightlife, with outlets in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Over the years, it has also become a frequent hotspot for celebrities and socialites.
The Income Tax searches come just a day after Bastian found itself in legal trouble in Bengaluru. On December 16, the Bengaluru police registered an FIR against Bastian Garden City, allegedly for operating beyond permitted hours and allowing late-night parties in violation of local regulations. The case was registered following suo motu complaints under Section 103 of the Karnataka Police Act.
The FIR was filed at the Cubbon Park Police Station, as the restaurant is located on St. Mark’s Road in central Bengaluru. According to police sources, Bastian reportedly continued operations until around 1.30 am on December 11, well beyond the stipulated closing time. Based on this, cases were booked against the managers and staff of the establishment for violating operational rules.
Following the registration of the FIR, Shilpa Shetty issued a strong denial through an Instagram statement, rejecting what she described as baseless allegations. She wrote, “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. A Quashing Petition has already been filed before the Hon’ble High Court and is pending adjudication.”
Shetty further stated that she and the management had fully cooperated with the investigation and expressed confidence in the judicial 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. We respectfully urge the media to exercise restraint as the matter is sub judice,” her statement added.
The developments surrounding Bastian come at a particularly sensitive time for the actor and her family. Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, were recently booked by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for allegedly cheating a Mumbai-based businessman of Rs 60.4 crore in connection with a loan-cum-investment deal. An unidentified individual has also been named in the case.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
