Fresh trouble for Vikram Bhatt: Mumbai Police book filmmaker, daughter in Rs 13.5 crore cheating case

MUMBAI: Filmmaker-director Vikram Bhatt, who was arrested by Rajasthan Police last month in an alleged Rs 30 crore cheating case, has landed in fresh legal trouble after Mumbai Police registered another case of fraud against him. A new FIR has been filed accusing Bhatt and his daughter, Krishna Bhatt, of cheating a Pune-based film investor of Rs 13.5 crore.The case stems from a complaint lodged by Pune based film financier Shivraj Prithviraj Khawade, who alleged that Bhatt induced him to invest a substantial amount in upcoming film projects by promising high returns. According to the complaint, Bhatt accepted Rs 13.50 crore from Khawade in 2021, assuring him of profits within a stipulated period. However, despite repeated follow-ups, neither the principal amount nor any profit was returned. Police sources said the accused allegedly continued to mislead the complainant over the years, citing delays in film production and financial constraints. The complainant further alleged that the amount was neither invested as promised nor refunded even after four years. A senior police official confirmed that an FIR has been registered under Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code against Vikram Bhatt and Krishna Bhatt at Versova police station. Considering the magnitude of the alleged fraud, the investigation has been transferred to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police. Last month, Rajasthan Police arrested Vikram Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambar Bhatt, in connection with a separate Rs 30 crore cheating case, further compounding his legal troubles. Investigators are now examining whether multiple investors were similarly duped using promises of high returns from film projects. Further investigation is underway.