Alia Bhatt’s Ex Assistant Arrested For Cheating Her Of Rs 77 Lakh
Mumbai, July 9, 2025 – In a shocking breach of trust, Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has claimed to have been defrauded of approximately ₹76.9 lakh by her former personal assistant, Vedika Prakash Shetty, who was arrested by the Juhu Police on July 9 after months of evading authorities.
The Alleged Fraud: What Happened?
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Vedika Shetty, aged 32, served as Alia Bhatt’s personal assistant from 2021 until 2024, handling crucial financial responsibilities including bill processing, payments, and managing her production company, Eternal Sunshine Productions Pvt. Ltd., co-founded by Alia and her sister.
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The fraud reportedly occurred between May 2022 and August 2024, during which time Shetty allegedly created fake invoices and forged Alia Bhatt’s signature on them, claiming they were legitimate professional expenses related to travel, meetings, or scheduling.
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Funds were transferred from Alia’s personal and company accounts to an acquaintance’s bank account, before being routed back to Shetty’s own account.
Legal Developments & Police Action
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Alia Bhatt’s mother, veteran actress-director Soni Razdan, filed a formal police complaint at Juhu Police Station on January 23, 2025, triggering a fraud investigation under sections related to criminal breach of trust and cheating.
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After the FIR was lodged, Shetty went underground for five months, frequently moving across Rajasthan, Karnataka, Pune, and finally Bengaluru where Juhu Police finally caught up with and arrested her.
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She was produced before the Bandra Magistrate’s Court on July 8, and remanded into police custody till July 10 as proceedings continue.
The Financial Modus Operandi
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Investigators revealed that Shetty used sophisticated software tools to produce realistic-looking fake invoices. She secured Alia Bhatt’s signature before processing payments, misrepresenting them as valid expenses.
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The accomplice’s account acted as a conduit, obscuring the money trail and enabling Shetty to funnel the funds into her own pocket.
Consequences & Broader Implications
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The case illustrates risks even within trusted professional circles, spotlighting the need for vigilant oversight, dual verification for document signatures, and transparent financial practices.
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Specific legal charges are being prosecuted under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Key Takeaways
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Alia Bhatt (actor & producer) |
| Accused | Vedika Prakash Shetty (ex-personal assistant) |
| Total Amount Alleged | ₹76.9 lakh (~₹77 lakh) |
| Period of Fraud | May 2022 – August 2024 |
| Complaint Filed | Jan 23, 2025 by Soni Razdan |
| Arrest Date | July 9, 2025 in Bengaluru |
| Custody | Police custody till July 10, remanded by court |
Additional Considerations
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No official statements have yet been released by Alia Bhatt or her representatives, though the complaint was lodged by her mother, Soni Razdan.
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Alia’s production banner, Eternal Sunshine Productions, has co-produced films such as Darlings and Jigra, and this incident might trigger an internal audit of financial protocols carried out in similar ventures.
This unfolding case serves as a cautionary tale—with legal action underway and more details expected soon, including any recovery of funds or additional charges.
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