TV couple Kunal Verma and Puja Banerjee booked for kidnap, extortion

Kunal Verma and Puja Banerjee, the popular TV couple who claimed they lost their life savings in a scam last week, have now been accused of abduction and extortion. The duo allegedly kidnapped Bengali film producer Shyam Sundar Dey in Goa and extorted money from him. The couple has also been accused of trying to take over his properties.

Allegations against Kunal, Puja and their associate

Shyam’s wife Malabika made the accusations public in a social media post and also shared FIR documents, payment receipts and Whatsapp screenshots. In the post, that has since gone viral, Malabika claimed Kunal and Puja along with their associate Piyush Kothari threatened Shyam Sundar with false allegations and extorted money from him.

In her post, Malabika stated, "I’m sharing a painful experience today - something no family should ever endure. On May 31, 2025, my husband, Mr Shyam Sundar Dey, a renowned Bengali film producer with more than 60 films to his credit, was involved in a shocking incident."

She alleged Dey, who was on a business trip in Goa, was kidnapped by the accused after they intercepted his rented car. He was physically assaulted over several days and confined at an undisclosed location, she further alleged.

"In Goa, my husband was subjected to mental torture, and they demanded Rs 64 lakh from him. They threatened to falsely implicate him in a drug case if he didn’t comply. Terrified, Shyam paid Rs 23 lakh. I’ve saved all the receipts and transaction proofs showing the transfers made to Puja and Kunal’s accounts," Malabika claimed in the post. "Shyam’s mobile phones were taken by Puja and Kunal, who also forced him to reveal personal details and passwords. They made multiple video recordings, compelling him to speak as instructed," she added.

Following a complaint, the Goa police rescued Dey and registered an FIR against the accused Kunal, Puja and Piyush. The trio has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections including 126(2), 137(2), 140(2) and 308(2), that pertain to serious offences of kidnapping, extortion and wrongful restraint.