Actor Preity Zinta slams Kerala Congress over loan write-off allegations

Actor Preity Zinta has strongly refuted allegations by the Kerala Congress that she had an Rs 18-crore loan from the now crisis-hit New India Cooperative Bank written off in exchange for handing over her social media accounts to the BJP. Zinta denounced the claims as "fake news" and "vile gossip," clarifying that the loan was fully repaid over a decade ago.

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On Monday, the Kerala Congress' X handle shared a news report claiming that Zinta benefited from the loan waiver, leading to the bank's collapse and depositors protesting for their money. In response, Zinta categorically stated that she manages her own social media accounts and accused the party of spreading misinformation.

"No one wrote off anything for me. I'm shocked that a political party is indulging in clickbait using my name and images," she posted. She further emphasized that the loan was taken and repaid in full, urging against further misrepresentation.

Zinta also took aim at journalist Sucheta Dalal, co-founder of Moneylife, which initially reported the alleged loan write-off. Criticizing misinformation in journalism, she vowed to hold media figures accountable for false reporting.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India imposed restrictions on New India Cooperative Bank due to irregularities. Customers will be allowed to withdraw up to Rs 25,000 from February 27. The bank, which has 28 branches primarily in Mumbai, remains under regulatory scrutiny.