The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently summoned and questioned Shiv Thakare, a television actor and Bigg Boss runner-up, in an alleged money laundering case involving detained suspected drug kingpin Ali Asghar Shirazi.
According to sources, Thakare’s statement was recorded as a witness in the case. The ED has also asked Bigg Boss participant Abdu Rozik to appear before it.
Details about the case
Shirazi established Hustlers’ Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., which funded various start-ups, including Thakare and Rozik. The company reportedly made money through narco-funding. The funds were invested through Hustlers Hospitality in a number of startup businesses, including ‘Thakare Chai and Snacks’, a food and snack brand and restaurant.
Rozik has dabbled in the fast-food startup industry, launching “Burgiir,” a burger brand, in collaboration with Hustlers Hospitality. Shirazi allegedly invested heavily in Burgiir via Hustlers.
According to sources, Thakare and Rozik cancelled their contracts after learning of Shirazi’s alleged participation in the narcotics industry.
According to sources, Thakare mentioned in his testimony that he met Krunal Ojha, the director of Hustlers Hospitality, through someone around 2022–23. Krunal offered him a partnership with Thakare Chai and Snacks. According to the deal, Hustlers Hospitality made a large investment in Thakare Chai & Snacks. Thakare informed the ED that he had never met Shirazi and was unaware of his background when he sought financing for his start-up. Interestingly, the restaurant was never opened, even though it had a press conference to announce its launch.
Meanwhile, Shiv Thakre is currently on Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa season 11 as a contestant.
