Udaipur: Bollywood film director Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt were denied relief in the ₹30 crore fraud case. The Udaipur court rejected their bail plea on Friday, stating that granting bail could compromise witness testimony. Furthermore, the case falls under Section 338 of the BNS, a non-bailable offense, which served as a key reason for the bail denial.
Court Hearings and Reserved Judgment
The case was heard over two days in Udaipur court. After arguments from both sides on Thursday, the court reserved its judgment, which was delivered on Friday evening. Following the decision, Vikram Bhatt’s lawyer stated that a fresh bail plea would be filed in the sessions court on Saturday.
Details of the ₹30 Crore Fraud Case
The case involves alleged fraud amounting to around ₹30 crore. Dr. Ajay Murdia, owner of Rajasthan’s Indira Group of Companies, had signed a ₹42 crore contract with Vikram Bhatt for film production. Later, alleging fraud, Dr. Murdia filed an FIR on November 17 in Udaipur against Bhatt and seven others.
During the investigation, Udaipur police arrested Bhatt’s co-producer Mahboob Ansari and a fake vendor Sandeep from Mumbai. Subsequently, on December 7, Vikram Bhatt and his wife were arrested from their Mumbai apartment. They were produced in Udaipur court on December 9 and placed under police remand.
High Court Oversight in High-Profile Case
On the same day, the Jodhpur bench of Rajasthan High Court heard a petition challenging Bhatt’s arrest. During the hearing, the court ordered IG, SP, and investigating officers to appear in court over allegations of hurried arrest. Given the high-profile nature of the case, it has remained under constant media and public scrutiny.
Focus on Witnesses and Investigation Process
The court specifically highlighted that granting bail could compromise witnesses and affect the investigation process. This underscores the judiciary’s strict approach and its intent to ensure that the investigation proceeds without obstruction.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
The next step involves Vikram Bhatt’s lawyers filing a fresh bail plea in the sessions court. Meanwhile, the police and judiciary will continue their investigation. Sources indicate that authorities have begun reviewing the activities of the accused and other individuals connected to the case.
Significance of the High-Profile Case
This case has become high-profile both for Bollywood and Udaipur. The alleged ₹30 crore fraud, film production contracts, and the protection of key witnesses make it particularly sensitive. The court and police are maintaining strict legal oversight at every stage of the proceedings.
The judgment clearly indicates that no leniency will be granted in the judicial process, with witness and evidence protection remaining paramount. Given the high-profile nature of the case, attention on further legal developments is expected to remain intense.
