Udaipur, February 13 (Udaipur Kiran): In a ₹30 crore alleged fraud case related to film production, the Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail to Shwetambhari Bhatt, wife of Bollywood director Vikram Bhatt. She may be released from jail today. However, no relief has been granted to Vikram Bhatt.
In the Supreme Court, Vikram Bhatt was represented by Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, while Advocate Harsh Surana appeared on behalf of complainant Dr Ajay Murdia. The next hearing on their regular bail applications is scheduled for February 18.
According to complainant Dr Ajay Murdia’s counsel Manzoor Hussain, the Rajasthan High Court had rejected the bail plea of the Bhatt couple on January 31, 2026. Following this, they filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court seeking regular bail. The apex court admitted the petition and heard the matter on Friday, granting interim bail to Shwetambhari Bhatt while declining relief to Vikram Bhatt.
Dr Ajay Murdia, owner of Indira Group of Companies, had lodged an FIR in Udaipur on November 17 against Vikram Bhatt and eight others, alleging fraud of ₹30 crore in the name of making films.
As per the complaint, Dr Murdia met Dinesh Kataria at an event, who proposed making a biopic on his wife. On April 24, 2024, Kataria allegedly called him to Vrindavan Studio in Mumbai, where he was introduced to Vikram Bhatt and discussions were held regarding the biopic.
A few days later, Vikram and Shwetambhari Bhatt allegedly told Dr Murdia that by arranging an additional ₹7 crore, they could produce four films at a cost of ₹47 crore, with expected profits ranging between ₹100 crore and ₹200 crore after release.
The complaint states that ₹77,86,979 was transferred into accounts of individuals including Amandeep Manjeet Singh, Mudit, Farzana Amir Ali, Abjani, Rahul Kumar, Sachin Gargote and Saboba Bhimana Adkari. A total of ₹2,45,61,400 was transferred in this manner. Additionally, ₹42,70,82,232 was paid from Indira Entertainment, while the production cost of four films had been fixed at ₹47 crore.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.