The controversy around television couple Puja Banerjee and Kunal Verma has deepened. Days after claiming they were victims of a financial scam, the two actors now face grave allegations. Bengali film producer Shyam Sunder Dey has accused them of kidnapping, wrongful confinement, and extortion. The incident reportedly took place in Goa, during what was meant to be a family vacation.
According to reports, Shyam’s wife Malabika has officially lodged a complaint with the Goa Police. An FIR has been registered against Puja, Kunal, and their associate Piyush Kothari. The charges, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), cover abduction, criminal intimidation, extortion, wrongful confinement, and other serious offenses.
Shyam recounted the disturbing incident while speaking to the Times of India. He revealed that he had gone to Goa with his family for a holiday. After five days, his family returned home for their child’s school commitments while he stayed back for business. On one such day, while driving a rented car, his vehicle was suddenly intercepted by a black Jaguar on the road. Two men stepped out and confronted him. At first, he resisted their instructions. Then he noticed Puja Banerjee, whom he described as being “like a sister” to him. Seeing her made him believe there was a misunderstanding, and he stepped out of the car.
Shyam alleged that from there, things took a terrifying turn. He was taken to a house first and later shifted to a villa named Amber Villa. He claimed that initially, he was confined on the first floor, but fearing attention, they later moved him upstairs. Shyam said he was held captive from June 1 to June 4. During this time, he was physically assaulted. Kunal reportedly beat him while Puja watched in silence.
Shyam recalled pleading with both of them to stop. He reminded them of their relationship and begged for mercy. “I told her, your husband is beating me, fine. But other men are thrashing me in front of you, and you’re silent? How can this be right?” he said. Despite his appeals, he claimed he was met with continuous threats.
In a detailed post, Malabika, Shyam’s wife, shared the trauma they experienced. She revealed that Shyam was detained for four days at Amber Villa. During his captivity, he was abused, recorded under pressure, and threatened with being falsely implicated in a narcotics case. According to her, he was forced to pay ₹64 lakh. Out of this, he managed to send ₹23 lakh. The payments reportedly included transfers to Puja’s assistant in Kolkata and RTGS transactions to Puja and Kunal’s personal accounts.
Malabika’s post called the incident a betrayal that left permanent emotional scars. She described it as a devastating experience that caused irreparable psychological damage. She appealed to the public to be cautious about who they trust. “We’re looking for justice and advising others to be wary about the company they keep,” she wrote.
The case has sent shockwaves through both the film and television industries. The accused have not issued an official statement in response to these serious allegations.
