The Rajasthan high court on January 5 rejected filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari’s petition seeking quashing of the FIR registered against him and his associates in Udaipur. This is the third time, Bhatts’ bail pleas have been turned down. The Bhatts and some others are currently lodged in jail.
Justice Sameer Jain refused to interfere and observed that the matter did not appear to be merely a breach of contract but prima facie involved deliberate diversion and misappropriation of funds. Vikram had sought quashing of the FIR, contending that the matter was of a civil nature, not criminal.
Dr. Ajay Murdia, a resident of Udaipur, had filed a complaint of cheating and criminal breach of trust against Vikram, Shwetambari and others, alleging that Rs. 30 crore funds taken in the name of a film project to be produced by him (Murdia) were misappropriated. Dr. Murdia said, he had paid around Rs. 30 crore to Vikram Bhatt for making films, including a biopic on his wife, Indira. He added that he was promised profits of Rs. 100-200 crore but nothing seemed to be coming to him. Co-producer Mehboob Ansari and vendor Sandeep were arrested before the Bhatts. Vikram and Shwetambari were arrested in Bombay on December 7.
