According to police, the incident occurred while Tijori was in the process of raising funds for a new film project. During this period, a friend introduced him to a man who claimed to have professional links with a music company and connections within the film industry. Trusting the representation, Tijori agreed to further discussions regarding potential investors.
Police said that in February last year, the actor was subsequently introduced to a woman who presented herself as a film producer. She allegedly assured Tijori that she could secure investors for the project but demanded ₹5 lakh as a facilitation fee. Tijori reportedly paid ₹2.5 lakh as the first instalment.
As per the complaint, the accused promised to provide a “Letter of Interest” from a well-known content production company within a week. An agreement was also signed to formalise the arrangement. However, the promised document was never delivered, and the accused gradually stopped responding to Tijori’s phone calls and messages.
“When the complainant realised that the assurances were false and there was no progress on funding, he approached the police,” a senior officer at Bangur Nagar Police Station told news agency PTI. The complaint was formally registered last month under sections related to cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Police officials said notices will be issued to all three accused, and they will be summoned for questioning as part of the investigation. “We are verifying the claims made by the accused regarding their alleged association with production houses and music companies,” the officer added. No arrests have been made so far.
The case highlights ongoing concerns within the film industry about fraudulent intermediaries who exploit filmmakers under the guise of arranging finance or industry connections. Police said they are examining financial transactions and communication records to establish the sequence of events and intent.
Deepak Tijori is a familiar face in Hindi cinema, having acted in several successful films during the 1990s, including Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak, Khiladi and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar. He also appeared in the first season of the reality show Bigg Boss. Over the years, Tijori has expanded his career to direction, with films such as Oops!, Fareb, Tom Dick and Harry, Do Lafzon Ki Kahani and Tipsy to his credit.
Police said further action in the case will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
