The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Karnataka has issued a notice to actress Sunny Leone as part of its investigation into the alleged ₹2,400 crore Shivam Associates investment scam. The agency has requested information regarding payments she received for her participation in a film. Officials have clarified that the notice does not imply any wrongdoing or criminal involvement on the actress’s part.
What Is the Case About?
The CID is investigating financial transactions linked to Shivam Associates and its promoter, Shivanand Neelannavar. Authorities allege that Neelannavar collected money from thousands of investors through investment and deposit schemes that lacked the required regulatory approvals. According to investigators, nearly ₹2,400 crore was raised from around 40,700 investors, including a significant number from Maharashtra.
The probe has also revealed that a portion of the funds collected from investors was used across various sectors, while some amounts were reportedly spent on payments connected to the film industry. As a result, the CID is examining payments made to artists and other individuals.
Connection to the Film ‘Champion’
According to officials, Sunny Leone was paid approximately ₹1 crore for appearing in the popular song Dingara Billi Naanu from the Kannada film Champion, released in 2023. Reports indicate that the film was produced by Shivanand Neelannavar. The CID is now seeking to understand the nature of this payment and the services for which it was made.
What Did the CID Say?
CID Deputy Inspector General Bhimashankar S. Guled told the media that investigators found evidence suggesting that some of the funds collected from investors were paid to actors and actresses. Based on these findings, the agency is seeking information from the individuals concerned. Officials emphasized that the notices are intended solely to gather facts and verify records, not to accuse anyone of misconduct.
Findings So Far in the Investigation
According to the CID, around ₹540 crore from the allegedly collected funds was invested in the stock market, resulting in losses of approximately ₹170 crore. Investigators say the remaining funds were routed through more than 30 bank accounts, which are currently undergoing forensic examination. Authorities have frozen several bank accounts and are continuing efforts to identify related assets.