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Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife have been sent to judicial custody after a court rejected their bail plea in a ₹30 crore fraud case linked to a failed biopic project. Allegations of fake documents and false promises have put the spotlight on the high-profile case.
Vikram Bhatt and his wife were arrested in Mumbai on December 7
New Delhi: Popular filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt, have been remanded to judicial custody in connection with an alleged ₹30 crore fraud involving a Rajasthan-based doctor. The decision came after a Udaipur court rejected their plea for interim bail on medical grounds.
The couple was arrested in Mumbai on December 7 and subsequently brought to Udaipur for questioning. Two days after their arrest, they were placed in seven-day police custody to allow investigators to probe their alleged role in the case.
Explained: All you need to know about Vikram Bhatt’s Rs 30 crore fraud case
Following the completion of police custody, the court ordered that both Vikram and Shwetambari Bhatt be sent to judicial custody and lodged at the Central Jail in Udaipur.
Speaking to news agency, Advocate Manzoor Hussain confirmed that the defence had sought interim bail citing medical reasons. However, the court did not find sufficient grounds to grant relief and dismissed the application. Udaipur DSP Suryaveer Singh later stated that the couple would now remain in judicial custody as per the court’s directions.
According to police officials, Vikram Bhatt and his wife are among seven accused named in the case. They have been charged with allegedly defrauding Dr Ajay Murdia, a prominent Udaipur-based businessman and founder of the Indira Group of Companies, which includes the well-known Indira IVF Hospital chain.
As per the complaint, Dr Murdia wanted to produce a biopic based on the life of his late wife. The accused allegedly convinced him that the project would generate earnings of up to ₹200 crore. Trusting these assurances, the doctor is said to have invested more than ₹30 crore into the project.
However, the promised film never materialised. Dr Murdia later approached the Bhopalpura police station in Udaipur, alleging that he had been cheated. An FIR was registered on November 17, accusing the Bhatt couple and others of cheating, forgery, and related offences.
Vikram Bhatt arrested in Rs 30 crore movie fraud case; What we know so far?
Investigators have claimed that the doctor was misled through fabricated documents, inflated bills, and fake vendors. During the investigation, Udaipur police reportedly found evidence supporting these claims, including forged paperwork and financial irregularities linked to the alleged production expenses.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Vikram Bhatt’s prominence in the Indian film industry, where he is known for directing several successful films. Police officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that further questioning of the accused and examination of financial records are underway.
For now, the filmmaker and his wife will remain in judicial custody as the legal process continues.
