Rakul Preet breaks silence on income tax department searches

Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh has rejected media reports linking her to recent Income Tax Department searches conducted at several locations in Mumbai.

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh has rejected media reports linking her to recent Income Tax Department searches conducted at several locations in Mumbai.

In a statement shared on social media on Monday the Yaariyan actress criticized reports that according to her connected her name to the investigation without properly checking the facts. She said the tax authorities’ action was not directed against her and urged media organizations to correct or withdraw reports based on speculation.

Rakul said she comes from an Army family and built her career through her own efforts without the backing of a film-industry godfather. She also stated that she has been paying her taxes regularly since the age of 20.

The actress further denied having any connection with alleged illegal overseas money transfers or financial dealings involving any production company. She said she does not own undisclosed or “benami” properties in India or abroad and has never accepted expensive property as a gift.

Calling for responsible reporting Rakul asked media outlets to remove any stories containing false, malicious or unverified allegations about her and to publish accurate information instead. She acknowledged that news organizations operate under commercial pressures but said such pressures should not come at the expense of factual journalism an individual’s reputation or livelihood.

The clarification followed reports concerning Income Tax Department searches at multiple locations in Mumbai as part of an investigation into suspected financial irregularities.

Indian media reports said around a dozen premises were searched during the operation. Locations allegedly associated with filmmaker Vashu Bhagnani, who is Rakul’s father-in-law and Panorama Studios were reportedly among those covered by the searches.

Authorities are examining financial transactions and possible irregularities as part of the inquiry. However Rakul has emphasized that she is not a target of the action and has firmly rejected reports attempting to connect her personally with the investigation.

Her statement comes as she seeks to distance herself from speculation surrounding the tax department’s ongoing proceedings.