IT raids at Rakul Preet, Vashu Bhagnani-linked premises:Searches at 12 locations over suspected tax evasion

The Mumbai Income Tax Department has launched search operations at around 12 locations linked to actor Rakul Preet Singh, filmmaker Vashu Bhagnani and Panorama Studios over suspected tax evasion and alleged overseas fund transfers in the name of film-related activities. According to a TV9 report, the action began on Monday following complaints of tax evasion, money laundering and irregularities in funds. Department teams conducted simultaneous searches at all the locations. Investigating officers suspect that large sums of money were being sent abroad in the name of film projects, overseas distribution and shooting. The department is currently examining financial documents. Income Tax team examining documents related to overseas transactions Several Income Tax Department teams are simultaneously examining documents, financial records and details of foreign transactions in Mumbai. The department had been receiving information for some time that large sums of money were being sent abroad under the pretext of film shoots and overseas distribution. According to officials, the investigation is still under way and irregularities related to revenue tax are being assessed. The Income Tax Department may issue an official statement in the matter once the investigation is complete. Vashu Bhagnani, recently embroiled in controversy Vashu Bhagnani runs a production company called Pooja Films and has also been associated with Panorama Studios, under whose banner hit films such as the ‘Drishyam’ franchise have been made. Vashu Bhagnani has produced several well-known films, including ‘Coolie No. 1’ (1995), ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ (1998), ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’ and ‘Mission Raniganj’. However, they have been embroiled in controversies for some time. They had a financial dispute with Ali Abbas Zafar, the director of the film ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ (2024). They also had a copyright dispute with Tips Films over the rights to the songs and scenes from the film ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’. Rakul’s brother was named in drugs case Rakul Preet Singh’s family has previously been involved in legal disputes. In December 2025, Mumbai Police began searching for Rakul’s brother, Aman Preet Singh, in a drugs case. The Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Force and West Zone Police arrested two drug traffickers and seized 43 grams of cocaine and 11.5 grams of MDMA from them. During the investigation, it was alleged that Aman Preet Singh had bought drugs from the traffickers five times Bollywood Names Under the IT Department’s Scanner The Income Tax Department’s search operation is currently underway. Further details are expected once the investigation progresses. Rakul Preet’s name has also surfaced in a drugs case Rakul’s name had earlier surfaced in the drugs case. During the investigation into the Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case, Rhea Chakraborty named Sara Ali Khan and Rakul Preet during questioning in connection with drug use. Rakul had also approached the High Court to stop media coverage of their names. The second controversy involving Rakul arose when the Enforcement Directorate questioned her in 2022 in a money-laundering case linked to the Tollywood drugs case. Rakul Preet Singh to star in Ramayana Actress Rakul Preet Singh is married to producer Jackky Bhagnani, the son of Vashu Bhagnani. Rakul is currently in the news for Ramayana Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. She plays the role of Shurpanakha in the film. Ranbir Kapoor will play Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi will play Sita, Ravi Dubey will play Lakshman and Yash will play Ravana. The film is scheduled to be released in cinemas on 6 November during Diwali this year. Vashu Bhagnani was also recently embroiled in controversy Vashu Bhagnani runs a production company called Pooja Films and has also been associated with Panorama Studios, under whose banner hit films such as the Drishyam franchise have been made. Vashu Bhagnani has produced several well-known films, including ‘Coolie No. 1’ (1995), ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ (1998), ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’ and ‘Mission Raniganj’. However, they have been embroiled in controversies for some time. They had a dispute over financial transactions with Ali Abbas Zafar, director of the film ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ (2024). They also had a copyright dispute with Tips Films over the rights to the songs and scenes from the film ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’. Read this story too… Sushant’s sister makes new post-mortem claim: Says, ‘Stun gun was used, leg was broken, eyes were hurt’; read her full statement Sushant Singh Rajput’s sister, Shweta Singh Kirti, has made a major claim about the actor’s post-mortem. She says that at the time of the post-mortem, Sushant’s leg bone was broken, there were injury marks near his eye and marks from a stun gun on his neck. Read the full report