The arrest comes nearly 20 days after the Bhupalpura police lodged an FIR against eight individuals, including Bhatt and his wife. A lookout notice had been issued a week earlier for all accused, barring them from leaving the country without permission. They were instructed to appear before Udaipur Police by December 8 but failed to do so.
According to investigators, the case was filed by Dr. Ajay Murdia, founder of the Indira Group of Companies, who alleged he was defrauded of ₹30 crore under the pretext of producing a biopic on his late wife. Dr. Murdia stated that he was introduced to Bhatt on April 25, 2024, at Vrindavan Studio in Mumbai through accused Dinesh Kataria. During the meeting, Bhatt reportedly assured him that he would oversee the entire filmmaking process and instructed him to continue transferring funds for the project.
The FIR names Vikram Bhatt, Shwetambari Bhatt, their daughter Krishna, Kataria, producer Mehboob Ansari, Delhi resident Mudit Butattan, DSC Chairman Gangeshwar Lal Srivastava, and Ashok Dubey, General Secretary of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees. Police allege the group lured Dr. Murdia by claiming the project could yield ₹200 crore in returns. Investigators also said Bhatt introduced a firm, VSB LLP, registered under his wife’s name, claiming it would manage production finances.
The Bhupalpura police are now scrutinizing financial trails and communication records. Further arrests or charges may follow as the investigation progresses.
