Bengaluru, Karnataka – Income Tax Department officials conducted a search operation at Bastian Pub in Bengaluru on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The upscale establishment is co-owned by Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra. ^[1][2][3]The raid comes amid allegations of tax evasion and suspected financial irregularities linked to the popular hospitality venture. ^[2][3] ### Income Tax Officials Descend on Bengaluru Pub Income Tax officials arrived at Bastian Garden City, located on St Marks Road in Central Bengaluru, early Wednesday morning. ^[4][5][6]Multiple officers were seen at the pub premises, carrying out a detailed search operation. ^[1][7]Sources indicated the officials were scrutinizing financial records, transaction details, and digital data. ^[2][4][6]The focus of the inquiry is understood to be on income declarations, cash transactions, and potential mismatches between reported revenues and actual business receipts. ^[2]The Income Tax Department has not yet issued an official statement detailing the findings of the search, and the investigation remains ongoing. ^[2][4] ### Prior Police Action Preceded Tax Raid The Income Tax raid followed an earlier police action against the pub. Bengaluru police had registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Bastian Garden City on December 14. ^[8][9]The FIR, filed at the Cubbon Park police station, alleged that the pub was operating beyond permissible hours. ^[1][4][5]Police officers reportedly found the establishment open even after 1:30 AM on December 11, hosting late-night parties in violation of local regulations. ^[1][5][8]A viral CCTV video from December 11, showing a late-night verbal altercation between patrons at the pub, had prompted police scrutiny of operational compliance. ^[3][6][9]A senior police officer confirmed that a case was registered under relevant sections of the Karnataka Police Act against the manager and staff of the establishment for violating the rules. ^[1] ### Shilpa Shetty's Investment in Bastian Bastian is a well-known luxury dining and nightlife brand, with a significant presence in major Indian cities. ^[2]The Bengaluru outlet, in particular, has gained popularity for its premium positioning and celebrity association. ^[2]Shilpa Shetty invested in the venture in 2019 and holds a 50 percent stake in the establishment. ^[3]The pub is managed by Bastian Hospitality, founded by businessman Ranjit Bindra. ^[10]The Bengaluru branch opened as an expansion of the popular restaurant chain, which first found success in Mumbai. ^[11] ### Denials from Shetty and Kundra Following the raid, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra released an official statement denying all allegations. They described the claims as "baseless and motivated". ^[3][11][6]The couple asserted their full cooperation with the investigating agencies and expressed confidence in the Indian judicial system. ^[3][11]Raj Kundra clarified that the matter is already under consideration by the High Court, and a quashing petition has been filed. ^[3][11]"We have complete confidence in the justice system and law enforcement authorities. Since the matter is sub judice, we request the media to exercise restraint and avoid spreading misinformation," their statement added. ^[11] ### Broader Context of Tax Scrutiny The Income Tax Department's action against Bastian highlights the ongoing scrutiny of high-revenue hospitality businesses and celebrity-linked enterprises across India. ^[2]Tax authorities frequently conduct search operations to ensure compliance with tax laws and investigate potential evasion. These operations typically involve a thorough examination of financial records, bank statements, and other relevant documents to identify any discrepancies between declared income and actual earnings. ^[2]Such enforcement activities are routine and do not necessarily indicate guilt at this preliminary stage. ^[2] ### The Path Ahead for Bastian The Income Tax investigation into Bastian Pub is currently underway. ^[2]Officials will now meticulously analyze the documents and digital data collected during the raid. ^[2][4]This process can take several weeks or months, involving further inquiries and potentially summoning individuals for questioning. Should the department find evidence of financial irregularities or tax evasion, it could lead to penalties, demands for unpaid taxes, or further legal action. The outcome of the police case regarding operating hours will also proceed independently, with potential fines or other administrative actions against the pub's management. The Income Tax Department has not yet provided any official details regarding the findings of its search operation at Shilpa Shetty's Bastian Pub in Bengaluru.

AI Insights Hub