From MasterChef Applause to Police Custody: Santosh Shah faces Unexpected Controversy
MasterChef Santosh Shah, one of Nepal’s most recognisable culinary figures on the global stage, has been arrested in connection with an alleged banking offence linked to the purchase of a restaurant in Gairidhara, Kathmandu.
According to Khabarhub, Shah was arrested on Friday from Ramananda Chowk in Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City–8 by a team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office. Police also arrested Narayan Sah Sudi of Karchhana Municipality–9 in connection with the same case.
Police said the arrests were made after a complaint filed by a woman and an arrest warrant issued by the Kathmandu District Court. Preliminary investigation has linked the case to the purchase of a restaurant located in Gairidhara, Kathmandu. Further investigation is ongoing, police said.
Khoj Samachar reported that the dispute allegedly involves a restaurant deal worth around Rs 13 million. The complainant has alleged that the full agreed amount was not paid. The report also said Shah and Sudi have been sent to the Kathmandu District Police Range, Bhadrakali, for further investigation, and court proceedings are expected after the public holiday/weekend period.
At this stage, the allegations remain under investigation. No court has determined criminal liability.
For many Nepalis, the news has come as a shock because Santosh Shah is not just a chef. He is widely celebrated as a public face of Nepali cuisine abroad.
Shah rose to fame through MasterChef: The Professionals, where he introduced Nepali dishes and food stories to international viewers. In 2021, he won MasterChef: The Professionals Rematch, earning praise for presenting a Nepalese feast inspired by culture and tradition.
His journey from Siraha to international kitchens has often been seen as a story of struggle, identity, migration, and culinary pride. That image grew further in 2026 after The Taste of Salt, a film project inspired by Shah’s life and directed by Deepak Rauniyar, was presented at the Berlinale Co-Production Market. Variety reported that the film is inspired by the MasterChef star, while Berlinale’s own press material listed the project among its 2026 market selections.
That is why the arrest has drawn strong public attention. The case combines celebrity visibility, Nepali food pride, business dealings, and legal uncertainty.
The timing of the arrest, just ahead of the weekend/public holiday period, has also become part of the public discussion, as further court-related steps are expected only after the break.
For now, the central legal point remains clear: Shah and Sudi have been arrested for investigation based on a complaint and court warrant, but the allegations have not been proven in court.
As the investigation moves ahead, the story will be watched closely not only by legal observers, but also by fans who have long associated Santosh Shah with Nepal’s culinary identity on the world stage.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information available online and published media reports. The case is currently under investigation. The allegations against Santosh Shah and others have not been proven in court, and no criminal liability has been determined at this stage. GlamourNepal will update this story if further official information becomes available.
