Fake bills, four-film promise: Inside Vikram Bhatt and his wife Rs 30 crore fraud case

From four films to fake bills, read the reason Vikram Bhatt and his wife were arrested in Rs 30 crore fraud case.

In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood, controversies and troubles are a part and parcel of being a part of this industry. However, a recent controversy has sent shockwaves through Bollywood and the business community alike. Yes, we are talking about the legal trouble of Vikram Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt. As per reports, the couple has found themselves at the centre of an alleged Rs 30 crore fraud case. The fraud is linked to fake documents, inflated bills, and unfulfilled film promises. The case, which originated in Udaipur, has now escalated with arrests, custody, and a detailed police probe revealing shocking claims.

Biopic dream and Rs 200 crore promise

As per officials, the case started when Udaipur-based doctor Dr Ajay Murdia expressed his desire to make a biopic on his late wife. As per police statements quoted by news agency PTI, the doctor was allegedly promised earnings of Rs 200 crore from the project. “But nothing materialised, after which Murdia approached Bhopalpura police station in Udaipur, where an FIR was registered for cheating and other offenses,” an official said.

Four-film deal worth Rs 47 crore

Police also revealed that Dr Murdia and Vikram Bhatt, and his wife met in April 2024 through an acquaintance, who proposed producing the biopic. In May 2024, the doctor entered into a Rs 47 crore agreement with the Bhatts to produce a total of four films, including the biopic of his former wife.

“Following the deal, the first two films were reportedly made;i however, the rest two were never made,” police said.

Fake bills, inflated vouchers, and manipulation of funds

As they further investigated, authorities learnt about alleged financial manipulation. Police claimed the accused prepared fake documents, including fake bills in the name of fake vendors and inflated salary vouchers. According to officials, these tactics were used to take out around Rs 30 crore from the doctor.

“Further probes revealed that the doctor was allegedly duped of crores of rupees by the accused,” police said.

Arrest, custody and legal action

Following this investigation, Bhatt and his wife were arrested in Mumbai on Sunday, December 7, and brought to Udaipur late on December 8 by Rajasthan Police. They were presented before an Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate court the next day, which sent them into police custody for seven days.

On Tuesday DSP Suryaveer Singh told news agency ANI that the couple would now be sent to the Central Jail in Udaipur. The court also denied them interim bail on medical grounds, sending them to judicial custody instead.

The case involves Bhatt, his wife, and six others, all accused of defrauding Dr Ajay Murdia, the founder of the Indira Group of Companies, of around Rs 30 crore.