Post by : Meena
Hassan
On Sunday, Udaipur police detained renowned filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his spouse Shwetambari Bhatt in Mumbai regarding a ₹30 crore film production fraud case. Officials stated that the couple, along with six accomplices, is charged with defrauding Dr. Ajay Murdia, the founder of Indira Group of Companies based in Udaipur.
Dr. Murdia, who operates female infertility businesses across India, had enlisted the Bhatts to produce a biopic about his late wife, expected to yield ₹200 crore. However, when nothing progressed, he filed an FIR at the Bhopalpura police station citing cheating and further charges.
Initial investigations disclosed that Dr. Murdia was introduced to the suspects through an acquaintance. A contract was signed in May 2024 between Murdia and the Bhatts for four films, including the biopic, valued at ₹47 crore. While completion of the first two films was reported, the other projects remained unproduced.
Udaipur police revealed that the defendants allegedly fabricated fraudulent documents, such as invoices from nonexistent vendors, to embezzle funds from the complainant. They artificially inflated vouchers and salary statements to substantiate the amounts, illegally transferring approximately ₹30 crore.
Upon their arrest in Mumbai, Rajasthan police requested a two-day transit remand to take the couple to Udaipur for thorough questioning and legal action. Their legal team expressed that the police coerced them into signing documents without clear time or date, implying threats of torture for non-compliance.
The court approved the transit remand of the couple until December 9. This case has garnered significant media attention, underscoring one of the most substantial alleged fraud cases in the Indian film sector in recent years.
English
