Mumbai police have arrested Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty’s husband, Raj Kundra, for allegedly producing and broadcasting pornographic films online on Monday (July 20).
The premium OTT app called Hotshots is a subscription-based app and was described as the "world`s first 18+ app" showcasing some of the hottest models and celebs globally, both in Play Store and App Store.
Police stated that arrested businessman Raj Kundra and his brother-in-law Pradeep Bakshi are the alleged masterminds of an international porn films racket perpetrated through their content production companies based in India and the United Kingdom.
The businessman, banned from cricket-related activities over match-fixing charges six years ago, was named as the “key conspirator” in the controversial case that has shaken the Indian social media.
Mumbai's Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Milind Bharambe told the press on Wednesday (July 21) that the two companies had a mobile app called 'HotShots Digital Entertainment', developed by Kenrin Ltd.
The app that went by the name 'Hotshots' is at the centre of the controversy and was allegedly being used to distribute pornographic content.
After complaints, this app was taken down by Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
The app's description on both stores read, "HD videos & short movies with unmatched exposure" and promised "private content from hot photoshoots, short movies, and experience of the lifestyle of celebrities from all over the world."
Moreover, the app also offered services like live communication with "some of the hottest models around the world" and these content were only accessible to paying subscribers.
Several Bollywood celebrities including musician Mikha Singh, actor Gehana Vasisth and model Rakhi Sawant have released online statements in support of Kundra.