TV Stars Puja Banerjee, Kunal Verma Face Kidnapping and Extortion Charges in Goa

Bengali film producer Shyam Sunder Dey has accused television actors Puja Banerjee and Kunal Verma, along with their associate Piyush Kothari, of kidnapping, assault, and extortion during an incident in Goa. Dey alleges he was abducted on May 31, 2025, while on a business trip in the coastal state.

Dey recounted that a black Jaguar blocked his rented car on a public road, and two men approached, demanding he exit the vehicle. Initially hesitant, Dey complied after spotting Banerjee, whom he considered a close friend, assuming it was a misunderstanding. He was then taken to Amber Villa, where he was held for four days, subjected to physical assault, and coerced into transferring ₹23 lakh to the accused. Dey further claimed the group demanded ₹64 lakh and attempted to force him to sign over property documents under threats of false drug charges.

Malabika Dey, Shyam’s wife, detailed the ordeal in a Facebook post, sharing evidence such as FIR documents, bank transaction records, and WhatsApp screenshots. She described the incident as a profound betrayal, causing significant emotional and psychological harm to their family. Malabika alerted the Goa Police, who rescued Shyam on June 4, 2025. The police have filed an FIR against Banerjee, Verma, and Kothari under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, charging them with abduction, wrongful confinement, extortion, criminal intimidation, and conspiracy.

This controversy follows the couple’s recent claim of losing their life savings to a financial scam. In a vlog posted days before the FIR, Banerjee and Verma spoke of their financial struggles, stating they were starting from scratch. Neither Banerjee, Verma, nor Kothari have issued public statements regarding the allegations. The investigation by the Goa Police is ongoing.