Shilpa Shetty reacts to case against co-owned Bastian Bengaluru pub: ‘Baseless and motivated allegations’

Shilpa Shetty reacts to case against co-owned Bastian Bengaluru pub: ‘Baseless and motivated allegations’

Actor and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty has strongly denied allegations linked to her Bengaluru-based hospitality venture Bastian after the city police registered cases against two pubs, including Bastian Garden City, for allegedly operating beyond permitted hours.

In a detailed statement issued on Instagram, Shilpa Shetty dismissed the claims as ‘baseless and motivated’ and urged the media to exercise restraint, stating that the matter is currently sub judice.

The development follows Bengaluru police registering cases against two establishments for alleged violations of operating norms.

Bastian Garden City, co-owned by Shilpa Shetty, is among the pubs named in the case. The establishment is run by Bastian Hospitality, founded by businessman Ranjit Bindra. Shetty reportedly invested in the venture in 2019 and holds a 50 percent stake.

Responding to the controversy, Shilpa Shetty issued a formal clarification addressing both the allegations and the ongoing legal process.

In her Instagram post, 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.”

She further clarified that legal remedies are already underway. “A Quashing Petition has already been filed before the Hon’ble High Court and is pending adjudication,” her statement read.

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Separately, the Income Tax Department carried out a raid at the Bastian outlet near Church Street in Bengaluru. Officials have not yet released further details regarding the findings of the action, and authorities have stated that more information will be shared once the process is completed.

According to police sources, the cases were registered after a CCTV video from the pub went viral on social media. The footage reportedly shows a late-night incident at the establishment around 1.30 am on December 11. The video captures two groups of patrons involved in a heated verbal exchange and brief heckling. However, police have clarified that no serious physical altercation was reported.

Addressing the investigation, Shetty emphasised that full cooperation has been extended to authorities. “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,” she stated.

She also appealed to the media to avoid speculation while the matter remains before the court. “We respectfully urge the media to exercise restraint as the matter is sub judice,” the statement concluded.

The case has triggered widespread discussion online, given Shetty’s association with the hospitality brand and the visibility of the viral video. Legal proceedings related to the quashing petition are currently awaited, while police and tax authorities continue their respective inquiries into the matter.