Kundra slams media for 'derogatory statements'

His passport seized after close to 12 hours of questioning by the Delhi Police, Rajasthan Royals owner Raj Kundra lashed out at the media for making "stupid claims" on his alleged involvement in the IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal.

"Good morning woke up to news raj kundra faces the heat...yes it's very hot in Mumbai. Media has misconstrued everything using unreliable sources. Try speaking to the Main guys at crime branch. Why does media hype things and make such stupid claims to sell news," Kundra tweeted, after reports emerged that he had confessed to betting during questioning on Wednesday.

"Is there an arrest warrant? I am back home in Mumbai. Kindly let Delhi crime branch do their work. media stop using derogatory statements," he added.

Later, in the evening, Kundra again defended himself, saying he is "not involved in any wrongdoings".

"I will make formal statement soon, rest assured I am not involved in any wrongdoings. Do not misconstrue silence 4 guilt. Truth will prevail," Kundra wrote on his Twitter handle.

He defended himself, saying he is "not involved in any wrongdoings".

"I will make formal statement soon, rest assured I am not involved in any wrongdoings. Do not misconstrue silence 4 guilt. Truth will prevail," Kundra wrote on his Twitter handle.

Kundra's passport has been seized by Delhi Police, which questioned him in connection with the IPL spot-fixing scandal and allegations that he was into betting. Police have asked Kundra not to leave the country.

Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar said Kundra admitted to betting. "He used to bet on his own team. We have also come to know that he has lost a lot of money in betting.

“He used to bet through Goenka, who is also a bookie," he said.

A senior Delhi Police official refused to specify whether Kundra is a "suspect or complainant", stating he was an "important person" needed for questioning.

Kundra's wife and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty also fumed on Twitter about the media hype surrounding his questioning.

"STOP PRESS" literally! Getting on my nerves to c to wht extent the press wud go to make Headlines! Its annoying n distressing fr family to c news misconstrued n misreported. Pls spk 2 the Real officials in charge and get the REAL story rather than ure PAID (unreliable)sources," she wrote on her Twitter page.

"Also to all the BREAKING NEWS channels 'Don't get into assumptions, we too are most curious to know who the culprit is'!

"Really upset with the media fr casting aspersions without any proof,making derogatory statements..Uncalled for and will not be tolerated," she added in  series of tweets.

"Just to reiterate,we will do all it takes to reach to the bottom of this "spot fixing case" and be of complete help till that happens!"

Image: Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty at an IPL match

Photograph: BCCI