Rakul Preet Singh has issued a clarification after her name appeared in reports about Income Tax department searches involving people and entities connected to the film industry. The actress said the reported search was not conducted at her premises and denied having any connection with the inquiry into alleged irregularities involving overseas film funds.
The clarification came after Income Tax officials reportedly carried out searches at 12 premises linked to people and entities associated with film producer Vashu Bhagnani and Panorama Studios. After reports mentioned her name in connection with the matter, Rakul addressed the issue on Instagram on Monday, October 5. She said she was upset that some reports had been published without checking the facts.
Rakul said, “It’s heartbreaking to see that there’s a growing trend amongst the self-styled online reporters and some mainstream media journalists to sensationalise the news without verifying facts.” She then directly addressed the reports about the Income Tax search and clarified that the action was not carried out against her.
“Let’s therefore set the record straight once and for all. The search was not of me. Let it be known that I am from the Armed Forces background and had no Godfather in the Industry. I have come up through sheer hard work and, as a responsible, law-abiding citizen, have been paying my due taxes since the age of 20 years,” Rakul added.
The actress also denied allegations related to illegal foreign remittances. She said she had not been involved in such activity either personally or on behalf of any production house. Rakul also denied holding benami property for anyone in India or abroad.
“I am not involved in any kind of illegal Foreign remittance in a 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 has ANYONE ever gifted me any property at any time, nor do I accept such expensive gifts as a principle,” Rakul said.
Rakul asked publications to retract what she described as “false, malicious and speculative reports” and publish the correct facts. She also acknowledged the commercial pressures faced by media organisations but said they should not come at the cost of a person’s reputation and livelihood.
“I understand that everyone running a media business, however big, has their own commercial pressures. But it cannot come at the cost of the facts. And certainly not at the cost of someone’s reputation and livelihood,” she concluded.
