English
English
English
Why was filmmaker Vikram Bhatt taken into custody today in connection with a Rs 30 crore IVF‑related fraud case and how are Rajasthan and Mumbai police planning to transfer him for further investigation under a transit remand?
The FIR was filed by IVF‑clinic owner Dr Ajay Murdia.
Mumbai: In a coordinated operation by Rajasthan Police and Mumbai Police, film director Vikram Bhatt was arrested on Sunday in connection with a ₹30 crore fraud case registered in Udaipur. The arrest followed a lookout notice issued last week against Bhatt, his wife Shwetambari Bhatt, and six other accused. They were required to appear before the Udaipur Police by 8 December and were barred from leaving the country without prior permission.
Sources say the police will now apply for a transit remand at the Bandra Court to transfer Bhatt to Udaipur, where investigations are underway under the charge of alleged financial misconduct.
The case originated from a complaint filed by Dr Ajay Murdia, founder of a major IVF‑clinic chain. According to him, Bhatt and his associates promised to produce a biopic on his late wife and assured returns margining up to Rs 200 crore, in return, Dr Murdia was asked to invest substantial amounts. Believing the proposal, he paid close to ₹30 crore, but the promised film output and returns never materialised.
The FIR, registered at Bhupalpura Police Station, names two core accused, Vikram Bhatt and Shwetambari Bhatt, along with six other individuals including their daughter and various associates who were allegedly involved in fund collection and project management.
Responding to the FIR, Bhatt denied all allegations, calling the complaint “misleading.” He claimed he only recently came to know of the charges and insisted the documents filed by the complainant were forged. Bhatt also alleged that the production of the film was stalled because the complainant allegedly failed to clear payments owed to technicians. He insists he will cooperate fully with the investigation and produce evidence to support his innocence.
Crackdown On Drug Mafia: UP STF arrests mastermind linked to Phensedyl supply network, details here
With Bhatt likely to be moved to Udaipur under transit remand, the investigation is expected to intensify. Police plan to scrutinize financial transactions, contractual documents, communications between parties, and other evidence to verify the complainant’s claims. More arrests or interim legal actions may follow as the case unfolds.
If found guilty, the accused could face severe penalties under sections related to cheating, fraud and criminal conspiracy, given the alleged magnitude of the scam and the high profile of those involved.
Major action in Goa fire case; Nightclub owner arrested, 3 cases filed
The arrest sends a strong warning across the film financing ecosystem — particularly for investors lured by promises of high returns through film investments. Experts say this case may lead to increased scrutiny of financing deals, stricter due diligence norms and a push for greater transparency before investments in film projects are made.
