Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt Arrested in Rs 30 Crore Fraud Case

December 7, 2025

Mumbai/Rajasthan: Filmmaker and producer Vikram Bhatt was arrested on Sunday by a joint team of Mumbai and Rajasthan police in connection with a Rs 30 crore fraud case involving a Udaipur businessman. The police took him into custody at Ganga Bhavan Apartments in Mumbai’s Yari Road area, a property belonging to his sister-in-law.

Rajasthan Police are expected to seek transit remand in Bandra Court to bring Bhatt to Udaipur. Vikram Bhatt is the brother of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and uncle to actresses Pooja Bhatt and Alia Bhatt.

FIR Filed by Udaipur Businessman

The case was registered on November 17, 2024, when Dr Ajay Murdia, owner of the Indira Group of Companies, filed an FIR against eight individuals, including Vikram Bhatt, alleging a fraud of Rs 30 crore.

According to the FIR, Murdia met Dinesh Kataria at an event, who proposed making a biopic on Murdia’s wife, claiming the film would highlight her contributions to the nation. Murdia was invited to Vrindavan Studios in Mumbai on April 24, 2024, where he was introduced to Vikram Bhatt, and the project was discussed.

Alleged Role of Vikram Bhatt

During discussions, it was decided that Vikram Bhatt would take full responsibility for producing the film, while Murdia would provide the funding. Bhatt also reportedly said his wife Shwetambari Bhatt and daughter Krishna were involved in filmmaking and later appointed Shwetambari as a partner in VSB LLP.

Two films, “Bionic” and “Maharana”, were contracted for Rs 40 crore (US$1.2 million).

Money Transactions and Alleged Misuse

On May 31, 2024, Rs 2.5 crore was transferred via RTGS to Vikram Bhatt. Soon after, another Rs 7 crore was demanded, with claims that four films would be made for Rs 47 crore, promising a profit of Rs 100–200 crore.

Investigations revealed that payments made to vendors from Indira Entertainment LLP were fraudulent, as many recipients were painters or auto drivers. Large portions of the money were allegedly transferred to Shwetambari Bhatt’s account.

Lookout Notice Issued

Udaipur police had issued a lookout notice against Vikram Bhatt, his wife, and six others seven days prior to the arrest. All accused were instructed to appear before Udaipur police by December 8, 2025, and are barred from traveling abroad without permission.

Vikram Bhatt Responds

Following the developments, Vikram Bhatt stated that he had not received any official notice regarding the case and first learned about it through media reports.