Vikram Bhatt, wife Shwetambari remanded to judicial custody as Court rejects medical bail in ₹30 crore fraud case

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari faced a setback on Tuesday after a Udaipur court denied their plea for interim bail on medical grounds. The couple, who were earlier in police custody, have now been sent to judicial custody and will be lodged at the Central Jail in Udaipur.

Related Story: Popular director Vikram Bhatt arrested in Rs 30 crore fraud case

Defence Seeks Interim Relief

On Tuesday, the defence sought temporary relief citing health concerns. 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.” 

Despite the submission, the court did not grant the relief sought.

Police Confirm Judicial Custody

By evening, the legal position became clear. DSP Suryaveer Singh confirmed the development to the media, stating, “The court has ordered to keep them in judicial custody. They will now be sent to the Central Jail in Udaipur.”

How the Case Unfolded?

Vikram Bhatt and Shwetambari were arrested in Mumbai on December 7 and subsequently brought to Udaipur, where they were produced before a local court the following day. On December 9, the court had remanded them to seven days of police custody for further investigation.

Allegations of a ₹30 Crore Fraud

The case centres on allegations that the couple, along with six others, cheated Udaipur-based businessman Dr Ajay Murdia, founder of the Indira Group of Companies, of ₹30 crore. According to investigators, the accused allegedly lured Murdia into investing in a proposed biopic project.

Must Read: Love's toll on fame! How Ameesha Patel’s relationship with Vikram Bhatt cost her a flourishing career

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 ₹200 crore. But nothing materialised, after which Murdia approached Bhopalpura police station in Udaipur, where an FIR was registered for cheating and other offences.”

The FIR, lodged on November 17, accuses the group of siphoning off over ₹30 crore through false promises and fake bills related to film production.