Preity Zinta clarifies on ₹18-crore loan, calls it ‘fake news’

Former Bollywood actor Preity Zinta on Tuesday lambasted the Congress Kerala unit for “spreading fake news” about her ₹18 crore loan from troubled New India Co-operative Bank.

The Congress Kerala unit shared a news report claiming that Preity Zinta “gave her social media accounts to BJP and got 18 Cr written off” from the New India Co-operative Bank.

Rejecting the allegations, Preity Zinta said that no one else is operating her account and criticised Congress for spreading fake news and gossiping.

“No I operate my social media accounts my self and shame on you for promoting FAKE NEWS ! No one wrote off anything or any loan for me. I’m shocked that a political party or their representative is promoting fake news & indulging in vile gossip & click baits using my name & images,” read a post by Zinta on X.

Giving clarification about her loan with the bank, she added, “For the record a loan was taken and FULLY PAID BACK - over 10 years ago. Hope this clarifies and helps so there are no misunderstandings in the future.”

Congress's Kerala unit claimed Preity Zinta gave her social media account to BJP

On Monday, Congress's Kerala unit had claimed that Preity Zinta gave her social media account to the BJP after her ₹18 crore loan was written-off by the New India Cooperative bank.

“She gave her social media accounts to BJP and got 18 Cr written off and the bank collapsed last week. Depositors are on the streets for their money [sic],” Congress's Kerala unit wrote on social media post while sharing a news report.

Preity Zinta not only rejected the party's claim but also lashed out at the media for publishing unverified news without proper research.

“So much misinformation going around but thank god for social media and thank god for X ! All through my career I have seen so many so respected journalists get so many stories completely wrong & never have the decency to correct the story or apologise. I have also gone to court and spent a tonne of money fighting cases that go on & on & on,” wrote Preity Zinta in another post.

New India Cooperative bank crisis

New India Cooperative bank is facing scrutiny from the Reserve Bank of India due to financial instability. Recently, the RBI impsed strict withdrawal restrictions, leading to confusion and panic among depositors. As a result, New India Cooperative bank customers were barred from withdrawing money from their accounts.

The bank was also prohibited from issuing new loans, accepting fresh deposits. The development came after approximately ₹122 crore cash was found missing from two of the bank's branches during inspection.

The RBI, on Monday, Feb 24, allowed New India Co-operative Bank customers to withdraw money up to ₹25,000 from their accounts.