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A businessman from Manikarnika Ghat, Karnataka, Guru Prasad, has alleged a fraud of Rs 2.83 crore in the name of investment in a film reportedly under the Yash Raj Films banner. On the orders of the Police Commissioner, Bardaganj police registered a case against six individuals. The accused allegedly promised to double the investment amount within six months, but failed to return the money and later resorted to threatening the complainant.
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First Meeting and Fake Contract
Guru Prasad told the police that he was first introduced to Anil Kumar Reddy in Mumbai. He was then taken to the office of Anand Gupta and his wife Pallavi Anand at Dilkav Chamber, Link Road, Vira Desai Industrial Estate, Andheri West, where Prakash Madhukar Patil and Sheetal Pramod Mehta were also present. The accused claimed that their company, Dev Motion Pictures Private Limited, was contracted with Yash Raj Films and was producing a big-budget movie.
Prasad was informed that most of the shooting would take place in Varanasi and that his investment would double within six months. The first meeting took place in December 2022 at KJ International Hotel, Babatpur, where the film’s storyline and a copy of the alleged contract were presented. During this meeting, Rs 15 lakh was collected from him.
Mumbai and Patna Shoots Used to Showcase Investment
Subsequently, Guru Prasad was called to Mumbai and accommodated in a hotel in Andheri, where Anand Gupta, Pallavi Gupta, Sheetal Pramod Mehta, and Prakash Madhukar Patil were present. He was later taken to Patna to observe the shooting, which lasted for a month, during which he was repeatedly asked for additional investment.
According to Prasad, he returned to Varanasi with the alleged actress Dr. Tara Shweta Arya and Prakash Madhukar Patil, staying at the KJ International Hotel, Babatpur, where Rs 90 lakh was collected in cash on 3 May 2023. Over multiple instalments, the total amount invested reached Rs 2.83 crore.
Contract Found to Be Fake
Further investigation revealed that Dev Motion Pictures Private Limited had no contract with Yash Raj Films. The contract shown to Guru Prasad was forged, and the accused allegedly continued to pressure him with threats to secure more money.
Accused and Police Action
Bardaganj police have filed an FIR against six individuals: Anand Gupta, Pallavi Gupta, their nephew Lalu Chand Gupta, Prakash Madhukar Patil, Sheetal Pramod Mehta, and Anil Kumar Reddy. The accused reportedly lured Prasad to KJ International Hotel in Babatpur twice to finalise the deal and collect the investment money.
The case states that the accused allegedly devised this scheme to defraud investors across the country, targeting Prasad, who runs a motor parts business in Karnataka.
Police Advisory and Public Warning
The police have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to defraud investors under the guise of film or entertainment projects. Citizens are advised to verify all legal documents and contracts before making any substantial investments.
This case highlights a major instance of fraud in the film and entertainment sector, serving as a cautionary tale for potential investors to remain vigilant and verify claims before committing funds.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
