Veteran Bollywood actors Govinda, Chunky Panday, Shakti Kapoor, and BJP MP and singer Manoj Tiwari have been named in a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with an alleged investment fraud involving Ghaziabad-based Maxizone Touch Private Limited, according to media reports.
The FIR was registered following the directions of a local court in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur, after multiple investors approached the judiciary claiming they were cheated by the company through promises of unusually high returns.
What Is the Case About?
The case revolves around allegations that Maxizone Touch Pvt Ltd lured investors by assuring monthly returns of up to 15 percent, a figure far higher than conventional market instruments.
According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, an investor stated in his complaint that he had invested over ₹30 lakh in the company. Despite repeated assurances, neither the promised interest nor the principal amount was returned.
When efforts to recover the money failed, the investor moved the court, prompting judicial intervention and subsequent police action.
Role of Celebrities Under Scrutiny
Allegations of Endorsement and Promotion
The FIR reportedly names Govinda, Chunky Panday, Shakti Kapoor, and Manoj Tiwari on the grounds that they allegedly endorsed or promoted the company’s investment scheme, thereby influencing public trust.
The complaint claims that the involvement of well-known public figures helped the firm attract unsuspecting investors, many of whom believed the scheme to be credible due to the celebrities’ association.
It is important to note that the FIR does not automatically imply guilt. The matter is currently under investigation, and no court has yet determined culpability.
Legal Sections Invoked
Charges Related to Cheating and Conspiracy
The case has reportedly been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to:
- Cheating
- Criminal conspiracy
- Fraudulent inducement
Police sources indicated that the FIR was lodged after the court found sufficient grounds to warrant a formal investigation.
Background of Maxizone Touch Pvt Ltd
Directors Arrested Earlier
In September 2025, the directors of Maxizone Touch Pvt Ltd — Chander Bhushan Singh and his wife Priyanka Singh — were arrested by Jamshedpur police as part of a broader probe into the company’s operations.
Investigators alleged that the firm was running a fraudulent multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme, illegally collecting deposits from investors without regulatory approval.
Authorities further claimed that the company amassed substantial funds by exploiting loopholes and misrepresenting its business model.
ED Probe and Cryptocurrency Angle
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier conducted searches linked to the company in connection with investment and cryptocurrency-related fraud.
According to officials, the Singh couple remained absconding for nearly three years before being traced and arrested. The ED is also examining potential money laundering violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
What Happens Next?
Investigation Ongoing
With the FIR now registered, police are expected to:
- Examine promotional material and public appearances
- Verify the nature of alleged endorsements
- Record statements of the accused and witnesses
Legal experts note that merely appearing at promotional events does not automatically establish criminal liability. The investigation will determine whether there was intentional misrepresentation or active participation in the alleged fraud.
Growing Debate on Celebrity Endorsements
The case has reignited discussions around the responsibility of celebrities and public figures when associating with financial products or investment schemes.
Consumer rights advocates argue that influential personalities must exercise greater due diligence, as their endorsements often carry significant weight with retail investors.
