Vikram Bhatt, his wife Shwetambari Bhatt denied bail for the second time after their arrest in the Rs 30 crore fraud case

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt who were arrested in the IVF fraud case, have faced another legal setback. The Udaipur court has once again turning down their bail pleas in connection with this Rs 30 crore fraud case involved allegations of cheating and financial misappropriation. The order, passed on December 24, marks the second time the court has refused them relief. Earlier, they were refused bail on December 16 after they applied for interim bail based on medical grounds.

The court said that the ongoing and sensitive nature of the investigation is the key reason for denying bail. The court further observed that the probe is still at a crucial stage and may require further arrests and extensive questioning.


Further, the court said that the authorities are still scrutinising financial documents, contractual arrangements and the trail of funds linked to the case. The judge also pointed out that granting bail at this juncture could potentially interfere with the investigation, particularly given the magnitude of the alleged fraud.

Officials have indicated that more individuals connected to the matter could be summoned or questioned as the inquiry progresses.

Earlier on December 16, when 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.”

About the case

For those not in the know, the case stems from a complaint filed by Udaipur-based businessman Dr Ajay Murdia who alleged that he invested close to Rs 30 crore with Vikram Bhatt for the production of several films, including a biopic on his late wife, Indira.

The investigation has already led to multiple arrests. Prior to the Bhatt couple being taken into custody, co-producer Mehboob Ansari and a vendor identified as Sandeep were arrested in connection with the case. 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.”

Vikram and Shwetambari Bhatt were arrested in Mumbai on December 7 and produced before a Udaipur court on December 9 after Rajasthan Police secured a transit remand. After initial police custody, the couple was sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

The case came into the spotlight when Rajasthan Police detained the couple in Mumbai after the cheating allegations. Investigators later clarified that the accused were required for detailed questioning related to alleged financial irregularities and the misuse of invested funds.

An FIR has been registered at the Bhopalpura police station in Udaipur under sections pertaining to cheating and other applicable offences. Authorities are currently examining bank transactions, production agreements and communication records linked to the alleged fraud.


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