Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, Wife Shwetambari Bhatt Arrested in ₹30 Crore Cheating Case

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt, were detained by Udaipur police on Sunday in connection with a ₹30 crore cheating case filed by a Rajasthan-based doctor, according to a report by PTI. Officials say that the arrest stems from allegations made by Dr. Ajay Murdia, founder of the Indira Group of Companies, who claims he was misled into investing in a series of film projects with promises of extraordinary returns.

The Bhatt couple, along with six others, are named in the complaint registered at the Bhopalpura police station in Udaipur. Two accused had previously been taken into custody before the latest arrests were made in Mumbai.

Dr. Murdia, who runs Indira IVF Hospitals across the country, allegedly wanted to produce a biographical film on his late wife. The news agency quoted police officials, who said Murdia was encouraged by projections that his investment could yield returns of up to ₹200 crore. When no profits or tangible results emerged, Murdia reportedly approached law enforcement.

Investigators say an agreement was signed in May 2024 between the doctor and the accused to produce four films, including the biopic. The total transaction value was pegged at ₹47 crore, and while police records suggest that two films may have been completed, the remaining projects never materialised.

Preliminary findings indicate that forged paperwork and inflated invoices were generated to siphon off large sums. Police allege that bills were issued to fictitious vendors, cost sheets were exaggerated, and salary claims were manipulated. The inquiry claims that approximately ₹30 crore was diverted through these mechanisms.

Following their arrest, Bhatt and his wife were presented before a court where the Rajasthan police sought their transit remand to shift them to Udaipur for questioning. The court granted remand until December 9. According to the news agency, the defence counsels Rakesh Singh and Sanjay Singh accused the police of acting without procedural propriety. They alleged that the filmmaker and his wife were coerced into signing an undated document and threatened with mistreatment if they refused.

With the remand approved, the couple is expected to be transported to Rajasthan by road for further investigation. Authorities say interrogation will focus on financial trails, the production agreements, and the alleged fabrication of documents.