Earlier in the day, the couple’s counsel moved an application requesting temporary relief for medical treatment. Advocate Manzoor Hussain told ANI, “The lawyer for the accused presented an application for interim bail, requesting that it be granted on medical grounds. If interim bail is granted before the court session ends, both individuals could be released for a short period to receive medical treatment. Everything depends on the court's order.”
However, later in the day, the court rejected the plea and ordered judicial custody. Confirming the development, DSP Suryaveer Singh said, “The court has ordered to keep them in judicial custody. They will now be sent to the Central Jail in Udaipur.”
Arrest and custody details
Vikram Bhatt and his wife were arrested in Mumbai on December 7 and brought to Udaipur by the police. They were produced before the court on December 8, following which they were remanded to seven days’ police custody on December 9.
The filmmaker, his wife, and six other accused have been charged with allegedly defrauding Udaipur-based businessman Dr Ajay Murdia, founder of the Indira Group of Companies, of Rs 30 crore.
Allegations linked to stalled biopic project
According to police, the case stems from a proposed biopic on Dr Murdia’s late wife. An official told PTI, “Murdia, owner of Indira IVF Hospital, wanted to make a biopic on his late wife. He has alleged that he was promised earnings of Rs 200 crore. But nothing materialised, after which Murdia approached Bhopalpura police station in Udaipur, where an FIR was registered for cheating and other offences.”
The FIR, lodged on November 17, alleges that the accused siphoned off over Rs 30 crore by providing false assurances related to film production and profits. Police have further claimed that the alleged fraud was carried out through fake bills generated by the accused.
Investigations in the case are ongoing.
# Vikram Bhatt and Wife Shwetambari Sent to Judicial Custody in ₹30 Crore Fraud Case
**December 17, 2025**
Mumbai/Udaipur – In a shocking development for Bollywood, renowned filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, known for directing horror classics like *Raaz* and *Ghulam*, and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt have been remanded to judicial custody in connection with an alleged ₹30 crore fraud case. A court in Udaipur rejected their plea for interim bail on medical grounds, ordering them to be lodged in the city's Central Jail as the investigation continues.
### The Allegations: A Biopic That Never Materialised
The case stems from a complaint filed by Dr Ajay Murdia, founder of Indira IVF and the Indira Group of Companies, based in Udaipur. Dr Murdia alleges that in April 2024, he was approached with a proposal to produce a biographical film honouring his late wife, along with other projects.
According to the FIR registered on November 17, 2025, at Bhupalpura police station, Vikram Bhatt and his associates – including Shwetambari and six others – convinced Murdia to invest over ₹30 crore. They reportedly promised massive returns, up to ₹200 crore, from the films. An initial agreement in May 2024 for two films escalated to four, with a total budget of ₹47 crore.
Police claim the funds were siphoned off through fake bills and false assurances, with no substantial progress on the projects. The accused allegedly used forged documents to facilitate the fraud.
*(Images: Vikram Bhatt with wife Shwetambari Bhatt)*
### Arrest and Court Proceedings
Rajasthan Police arrested the couple in Mumbai on December 7, 2025, following a lookout notice. They were brought to Udaipur and produced in court on December 8. On December 9, they were remanded to seven days of police custody for interrogation.
As the police remand ended, their lawyer sought interim bail citing medical grounds. However, the Udaipur court rejected the plea on December 16, sending them to judicial custody. Deputy Superintendent of Police Suryaveer Singh confirmed: "The court has ordered to keep them in judicial custody. They will now be sent to the Central Jail in Udaipur."
*(Images: Similar high-profile court appearances in fraud cases in India for illustrative purposes)*
### Bhatt's Defence and Ongoing Investigation
Vikram Bhatt has denied the allegations, describing the FIR as "misleading" and "fabricated." He has claimed it's a civil dispute rather than criminal fraud, pointing to issues with a previous project involving Dr Murdia. Bhatt has vowed to cooperate with authorities.
Eight individuals, including the Bhatts and reportedly their daughter Krishna Bhatt, are named in the FIR under sections for cheating and other offences. Police are examining financial transactions and documentary evidence, with further action expected as the chargesheet is prepared.
This case has sent ripples through the film industry, highlighting risks in private film financing deals. As the legal battle unfolds, it remains a stark reminder of the blurred lines between business and creativity in Bollywood.
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