Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, along with his wife Shweatambari Bhatt and five others, was arrested by Rajasthan police on December 7, 2025, in Mumbai in connection with an alleged Rs 30 crore fraud case.
The complaint was filed by Dr Ajay Murdia, a Udaipur-based IVF specialist, who accused Bhatt and his associates of cheating him by promising lucrative film investments and failing to deliver.
The arrest took place at Ganga Bhavan Apartments on Yari Road in Versova, believed to be the residence of Bhatt’s sister-in-law. Udaipur Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal confirmed the arrests and said the accused are likely to be brought to Rajasthan for further interrogation and legal proceedings.
Details of Arrest and Police Action
The arrests were made as a result of a thorough investigation initiated after Dr Murdia filed a First Information Report (FIR) on November 17, 2025, at the Bhupalpura police station in Udaipur.
The FIR names eight accused individuals, including Vikram Bhatt, his wife, daughter Krishna Bhatt, and others associated with the film projects. Police allege that the accused lured Dr Murdia into investing over Rs 30 crore across four distinct film projects, including a biopic on Dr Murdia’s late wife.
They promised returns as high as Rs 200 crore, a figure which police say was never realised. According to the investigating authorities, the funds were transferred by the victim in instalments, but the accused failed to deliver on their promises or execute the projects.
SP Yogesh Goyal stated that the arrests were conducted at the Ganga Bhavan Apartments, acting on credible information about the accused’s whereabouts. After arrest, the police requested transit remand from a court in Bandra to enable the accused’s transfer to Rajasthan for further investigation.
Background and Prior Developments
This case highlights the risks involved in the financing of film projects, where large investments are made based on verbal assurances and projected returns. Dr Murdia, who runs Indira IVF, alleged that Vikram Bhatt and his group exploited his trust by showcasing enticing prospects of peachy profits through multiple films, including one biopic that held sentimental value.
Bhatt had earlier denied the allegations, calling the FIR misleading and asserting that payments stopped from the investor’s side. He also cited complications related to an aborted initial public offering (IPO) that affected production plans, pointing fingers at delays and document forgeries.
Prior to the arrests, two associates connected to the case were taken into custody, and police had issued notices demanding Vikram Bhatt’s presence for questioning by early December, warning of further actions.
The ongoing investigation involves detailed scrutiny of bank records, contracts, and financial transactions to build a comprehensive case.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This unfolding incident brings to light the paramount importance of transparency and accountability in business dealings, especially when public figures are involved as it impacts public trust. Financing in the entertainment industry requires due diligence and clear communication to protect investors, who might be vulnerable to exploitation. The Logical Indian advocates for fair and impartial investigations that uphold justice without jumping to conclusions, while fostering an environment of dialogue and empathy. Cases like these indicate a need for stronger legal frameworks and regulations within the film financing ecosystem to avoid disputes that can tarnish reputations and harm livelihoods.
