The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted raids at the premises of Raj Kundra, a businessman and husband of actor Shilpa Shetty, as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to the alleged distribution of pornographic and adult films.

According to reports indicate that around 15 locations in Mumbai and some cities in Uttar Pradesh, including Kundra’s home and office, are being investigated.

Kundra is reportedly being questioned by the probe agency at one of the search locations. This money laundering case, which began in May 2022, stems from at least two FIRs and chargesheets filed by the Mumbai police against Kundra and others. He, along with others, was arrested in connection with the case but was subsequently granted bail.

This marks the second money laundering case against Kundra. Earlier this year, the ED seized assets worth Rs 98 crore belonging to Kundra and Shetty in a cryptocurrency investigation. However, the couple received relief from the Bombay High Court regarding this asset attachment.

In 2021, Kundra had told a local court in Mumbai that there was not even an iota of evidence with the prosecution (Mumbai Police) that would connect the app ‘Hotshots’, used in the alleged porn films racket, with an offence under the law.

But, the ED found that the ‘Hotshots’ app was being used by accused persons for uploading and streaming obscene content.

The businessman had refused his involvement in the creation of alleged porn content and he had claimed that he was falsely implicated and was not even named in the FIR and was dragged by the respondent (police) in the case.

Kundra claimed in the plea that he is being made a “scapegoat” for reasons best known to investigators.

The police had filed FIRs on the basis of complaints received from two women, while another woman had submitted a complaint at the Lonavla police station, around 120 km from Mumbai.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the film ‘The Sabarmati Report’, based on 2002 Godhra train incident, saying the truth is coming to out.

He expressed his thoughts on social media platform X, saying, “Well said. It is good that this truth is emerging, especially in a manner accessible to the general public. A deceptive narrative can only last for so long. Ultimately, the facts will prevail!”

The Prime Minister’s remarks came in response to an X user who had shared a video of the film’s trailer, which was released on Friday.

‘The Sabarmati Report’ focuses on the tragic incident involving the burning of the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express near Godhra station in Gujarat on February 27, 2002, resulting in the deaths of 59 Hindu pilgrims returning from Ayodhya. This event ignited widespread riots in Gujarat that year.

Directed by Dheeraj Sarna, the film is produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Amul V Mohan, and Anshul Mohan, and features actors Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Ridhi Dogra.

In response to PM Modi’s commendation, producer Ekta Kapoor expressed her gratitude, highlighting that his praise provided a significant morale boost for the film’s team. Resharing the Prime Minister’s post, she wrote in Hindi on X: “Respected Prime Minister, thank you very much for your encouraging words about #TheSabarmatiReport. They have invigorated our spirits. Your recognition of #TheSabarmatiReport confirms that we are on the right path. Thank you for your love and support.”

This is not the first instance of PM Modi praising a film. In 2022, he lauded Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The Kashmir Files’. He stated, “History must be conveyed in the correct context. Books, poetry, literature, and films all play a crucial role in this. You’ve likely heard the discussions surrounding ‘The Kashmir Files’; it has certainly ruffled the feathers of those who champion freedom of expression.” The film depicts the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley and features Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty, Darshan Kumar, among others.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday lauded the team of Amaran including film starrer Sai Pallavi and Sivakarthikeyan as well as director Rajkumar Periasamy for capturing the bravery and dedication of Tamil Nadu army veteran Major Mukund Varadarajan in his film.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said that he watched the film at the invitation of veteran actor Kamal Haasan

“I watched a movie yesterday #amrnnn after accepting the invitation of my artist friend @ikamalhaasan. It’s great to bring true stories to today’s youth in the form of books – as well as movies! Director @Rajkumar_KP, Major Mukund Varadarajan – Tirumiku has emotionally captured the bravery and dedication of Tamil Nadu army veteran Major Mukund Varadarajan. My congratulations to all the crew of Thambi @Siva_Kartikeyan, @Sai_Pallavi92 and #Amaran for portraying the roles of Indu Rebecca Varghese very well! Big Salute to our soldiers who protect the country – Major Mukund Varadarajan who lives in our memory! @RKFI @gvprakash,” Stalin posted on X.

Recently, the creators of Amaran released the film’s trailer, featuring Sivakarthikeyan in the titular role of Major Mukund Varadarajan. The film narrates the compelling story of the decorated soldier who commanded the Indian Army’s 44 Rashtriya Rifles Cheetah Company and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Sai Pallavi joins the cast as well, and the film is premiering today.

The trailer opens with a striking statement from an officer to Major Mukund: “You do not choose 44 RR; 44 RR chooses you,” effectively setting the tone for the heroism depicted in the film. It offers glimpses into Major Mukund’s personal life, showcasing his family’s reaction to his choice to join the military and the love story he shares with Indhu, portrayed by Sai Pallavi.

Intense action sequences illustrate Major Mukund, as played by Sivakarthikeyan, in battle, where he resolutely declines a retreat order from his superior, asserting, “I’ll save every life I can and come back, sir.” Indhu expresses her pride, stating, “I am proud of him being an army officer and me being an army wife.” A poignant moment captures Sivakarthikeyan’s character stating, “This is the face of the Indian army,” highlighting his unwavering determination.

Kamal Haasan, one of the film’s producers, shared the trailer on social media, stating, “Leaders seldom choose a trodden path. They create one where there is none and blaze a new trail. #MajorMukundVaradarajan of Tamil Nadu is one such leader. We take pride in telling his story.”

Inspired by the true events chronicled in Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh’s book “India’s Most Fearless”, Amaran serves as a tribute to a genuine hero. The trailer has been released in various languages, with notable personalities such as Nani promoting it in Telugu, Tovino Thomas in Malayalam, Shiva Rajkumar in Kannada, and Aamir Khan in Hindi.

The trailer concludes on an emotional note, featuring Major Mukund’s daughter asking Indhu, “You told me appa will come for my birthday, will he come?”

Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and produced by the iconic Kamal Haasan, alongside R. Mahendran and Sony Pictures International Productions, Amaran poignantly tells the story of Major Mukund Varadarajan and his wife Indhu, encapsulating their journey of love, sacrifice, and the profound personal losses encountered during Major Varadarajan’s heroic service to the nation.