Mumbai Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt Confronts Fresh Rs 13.5 Crore Fraud Allegations
Renowned filmmaker-director Vikram Bhatt finds himself embroiled in yet another serious legal controversy as Mumbai Police has officially registered a new case of fraud against him. This development comes merely weeks after his high-profile arrest by Rajasthan Police in a separate alleged Rs 30 crore cheating case last month, significantly compounding his ongoing legal challenges.
Details of the New FIR and Allegations
The latest First Information Report (FIR) has been filed at the Versova police station in Mumbai, naming both Vikram Bhatt and his daughter, Krishna Bhatt, as accused parties. The complaint originates from Pune-based film financier Shivraj Prithviraj Khawade, who alleges that Bhatt persuaded him to invest substantial funds in upcoming film projects with assurances of exceptionally high returns.
According to the detailed complaint, Bhatt accepted a significant sum of Rs 13.50 crore from Khawade back in 2021, providing firm guarantees of profitable returns within a predetermined timeframe. The financier claims that despite numerous follow-up attempts over the subsequent years, neither the principal investment amount nor any promised profits have been returned.
Pattern of Deception and Investigation Transfer
Police sources familiar with the case reveal that the accused allegedly employed various tactics to mislead the complainant continuously over an extended period. These tactics reportedly included citing persistent delays in film production schedules and claiming ongoing financial constraints as reasons for non-payment.
The complainant has further asserted that the invested funds were neither utilized for the promised film projects as originally agreed upon, nor refunded despite the passage of four full years since the initial transaction. A senior police official has confirmed that the FIR has been formally registered under Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code against both Vikram and Krishna Bhatt.
Given the substantial financial magnitude of the alleged fraud, authorities have decided to transfer the investigation to the specialized Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police, which handles complex financial crimes requiring detailed forensic examination.
Compounding Legal Troubles and Broader Investigation
This new case adds to Bhatt's growing legal predicament, following his recent arrest by Rajasthan Police last month alongside his wife, Shwetambar Bhatt, in connection with a separate Rs 30 crore cheating case. Investigators are now examining whether this represents an isolated incident or part of a broader pattern involving multiple investors.
Authorities are particularly focused on determining if other individuals were similarly duped through promises of high returns from various film projects, suggesting potential systemic issues within certain film financing arrangements. The Economic Offences Wing has initiated a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the allegations, with further developments expected as the probe progresses.
