In a significant legal development, the Udaipur court has once again denied bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt. The couple is embroiled in a high-profile IVF fraud case involving allegations of cheating and financial misappropriation worth approximately Rs 30 crore. The court's order, passed on December 24, marks the second consecutive rejection of their bail pleas.
Court Cites Ongoing Investigation as Key Reason
The court firmly stated that the sensitive and ongoing nature of the investigation is the primary ground for refusing bail. It observed that the probe is currently at a crucial stage, which may necessitate further arrests and extensive questioning of the accused. The judge emphasized that granting bail at this juncture could potentially interfere with the investigative process, especially considering the substantial magnitude of the alleged fraud.
Authorities are still meticulously scrutinizing a voluminous amount of evidence. This includes financial documents, contractual agreements, and the complex trail of funds linked to the case. Officials have indicated that as the inquiry progresses, more individuals connected to the matter could be summoned for questioning.
Previous Bail Attempt on Medical Grounds Also Failed
This recent order follows an earlier rejection on December 16. At that time, the couple's legal counsel had moved an application seeking interim bail on medical grounds. Advocate Manzoor Hussain had stated that if granted, both individuals could be released for a short period to receive necessary medical treatment. However, the court did not find sufficient grounds for relief even then.
The legal troubles for the Bhatts began when they were arrested in Mumbai on December 7. They were subsequently produced before the Udaipur court on December 9 after Rajasthan Police secured a transit remand. Following an initial period of police custody, the couple was sent to judicial custody for 14 days.
Roots of the Rs 30 Crore Fraud Case
The case originated from a complaint filed by Udaipur-based businessman Dr. Ajay Murdia, the owner of Indira IVF Hospital. Dr. Murdia alleged that he invested nearly Rs 30 crore with Vikram Bhatt for the production of several films. The central project was a proposed biopic on his late wife, Indira.
According to police officials, the complainant was promised earnings of Rs 200 crore from the venture. When nothing materialized, Dr. Murdia approached the Bhopalpura police station in Udaipur. An FIR was registered under sections pertaining to cheating and other relevant offences.
Prior to the arrest of the Bhatt couple, the investigation had already led to multiple arrests. Co-producer Mehboob Ansari and a vendor named Sandeep were taken into custody in connection with the same case. The police have clarified that the accused were required for detailed questioning related to alleged financial irregularities and the misuse of the invested funds.
Currently, authorities are examining all aspects, including bank transactions, production agreements, and communication records, to build a robust case. The repeated denial of bail underscores the court's view of the case's seriousness and the need for an unimpeded investigation.
