Rakul Preet Singh breaks silence on Income Tax searches, says ‘Search was not pertaining to me’
Rakul Preet Singh has reacted to reports linking her to the recent Income Tax searches. The actor says the search was not related to her and denies any involvement in illegal foreign remittances or benami property.
Bollywood actor Rakul Preet Singh has reacted to the recent Income Tax searches that were reportedly linked to film producer Vashu Bhagnani and Panorama Studios in Mumbai. The searches, which took place at multiple locations, led to reports connecting Rakul's name to the investigation.
Rakul has now addressed the reports through an official statement shared on Instagram. The De De Pyaar De actor clearly stated that the search was not related to her and said she wanted to set the record straight.
In her statement, Rakul wrote, "Let's therefore set the record straight once for all. The search was not pertaining to me. Let it be known that I am from the Armed Forces background & had no Godfather in the Industry. I have come up through sheer hardwork & as a responsible law abiding citizen have been paying my due taxes since the age of 20 years."
She further denied any involvement in illegal foreign remittances. Rakul wrote, "I am not involved in any kind of illegal Foriegn remittance in personal capacity or on behalf of any Production house. I would also add here that I do not hold any Benami property on behalf of anyone anywhere in the country or abroad. Neither ANYONE has EVER gifted me any property at anytime nor do I accept such expensive gifts as a principle,"
Actor Questions Media ReportsRakul also criticised reports that she said did not have factual accuracy. She urged media organisations that published what she described as false and speculative reports to correct the information.
She wrote, "I urge all those who published these false, malicious and speculative reports to retract them and clarify the facts."
She also added, "I understand that everyone running a media business however big has their own commercial pressures. But it cannot come at the cost of facts. And certainly not at the cost of someone's reputation and livelihood."
What Is the Income Tax Case About?The Mumbai Income Tax Department reportedly conducted searches at 12 locations on September 28 over suspected financial irregularities. According to reports, investigators are looking into allegations that funds may have been routed abroad in connection with film financing. Officials are reportedly examining documents, financial records and details related to alleged overseas transactions.
The searches reportedly involved producer Vashu Bhagnani and Panorama Studios. Following the searches, reports also said that Bhagnani was hospitalised in London after the two-day Income Tax operation.
On the work front, Rakul Preet Singh was last seen in Pati Patni Aur Woh Do. She will next be seen as Shurpanakha in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash in the lead roles.