In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through Bollywood, Vedika Prakash Shetty, the former personal assistant to acclaimed actress Alia Bhatt, was arrested by the Juhu Police in Mumbai on July 5, 2025, for allegedly defrauding the actress of approximately ₹76.9 lakh. The arrest, which took place in Bengaluru after a months-long manhunt, has brought to light a case of financial deceit involving forged signatures, fake invoices, and the misappropriation of funds from both Alia Bhatt’s personal accounts and her production house, Eternal Sunshine Productions. This article delves into the details of the case, the events leading up to the arrest, the impact on Alia Bhatt and her associates, and the broader implications for trust and financial management in the entertainment industry.
The Fraud: A Tale of Deception
Vedika Prakash Shetty, aged 32, served as Alia Bhatt’s personal assistant from 2021 to 2024. During her tenure, she was entrusted with handling the actress’s financial documents, payments, and daily schedule. This position of trust gave Shetty access to sensitive financial information, which she allegedly exploited to orchestrate a sophisticated fraud. According to reports from multiple sources, including The Indian Express and Times of India, Shetty is accused of siphoning off ₹76.9 lakh over a period of two years, from May 2022 to August 2024, through the use of fake bills and forged signatures.
The fraud was executed with a level of professionalism that initially allowed it to go undetected. Shetty reportedly used professional tools to create authentic-looking fake invoices, which she presented to Alia Bhatt for approval. Once signed, these invoices facilitated the transfer of funds to an account belonging to a friend of Shetty’s, who would then route the money back to her. This elaborate scheme enabled Shetty to misappropriate funds from both Alia’s personal accounts and those of her production house, Eternal Sunshine Productions, which she co-founded with her sister Shaheen Bhatt in 2022.
The total amount defrauded is reported to be approximately ₹76.9 lakh, though some sources cite a figure of ₹77 lakh. The discrepancy in the reported amounts may stem from variations in accounting or additional charges uncovered during the investigation. Regardless, the scale of the fraud is significant, highlighting the vulnerabilities that even high-profile individuals like Alia Bhatt face when delegating financial responsibilities.
Discovery of the Fraud
The fraud came to light in January 2025, when Alia Bhatt herself noticed discrepancies in her financial records. According to Mumbai Police, as reported by The Indian Express, Alia audited her accounts and uncovered irregularities amounting to ₹76 lakh. This discovery prompted her mother, veteran actress and filmmaker Soni Razdan, to file a formal complaint with the Juhu Police on January 23, 2025. The complaint alleged financial irregularities, including forgery and criminal breach of trust, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Shetty under Sections 316(4) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The fact that Alia Bhatt personally identified the fraud underscores her diligence and financial acumen, despite her busy schedule as an actress and producer. The discovery also highlights the importance of regular audits, even for individuals who rely on trusted staff to manage their finances. Following the registration of the FIR, Shetty reportedly went into hiding, moving across multiple cities, including Mangaluru, Rajasthan, and Pune, to evade arrest. Her eventual capture in Bengaluru marked the culmination of a multi-state chase by the Juhu Police.
The Arrest and Legal Proceedings
After nearly five months of evading authorities, Vedika Prakash Shetty was apprehended in Bengaluru on July 5, 2025. She was subsequently brought to Mumbai and produced before the Bandra Magistrate’s Court on July 9, where she was remanded to police custody until July 10, 2025. The arrest was a significant breakthrough in the case, as Shetty’s constant movement had made it challenging for the police to track her down. According to The Economic Times, the Juhu Police conducted a prolonged manhunt, following leads across multiple states before finally locating her in Bengaluru.
The charges against Shetty include forgery, cheating, and criminal breach of trust, as outlined in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These charges reflect the severity of the allegations, as Shetty’s actions not only involved financial deception but also a breach of the trust placed in her as a close confidante of Alia Bhatt. The police investigation has revealed that Shetty used the embezzled funds for personal expenses, including the purchase of an iPhone and other gadgets, indicating a misuse of her access to Alia’s financial resources for personal gain.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing, with the Juhu Police continuing to probe the full extent of Shetty’s financial transactions. Authorities are likely examining additional evidence, such as bank records and communication logs, to determine whether others were complicit in the fraud. The court’s decision to remand Shetty to police custody suggests that further questioning is necessary to uncover any additional details or accomplices involved in the scheme.
Alia Bhatt’s Silence and Professional Commitments
Despite the high-profile nature of the case, Alia Bhatt has chosen to remain silent on the matter, refraining from issuing any public statements. This decision may reflect her desire to let the legal process take its course without adding to the media frenzy surrounding the case. Multiple sources, including NDTV and Hindustan Times, note that Alia has not commented publicly, possibly to avoid influencing the ongoing investigation or to maintain her focus on her professional commitments.
On the work front, Alia Bhatt continues to be one of Bollywood’s most prominent figures. She is currently involved in the production of Alpha, a spy thriller in the YRF Spy Universe, co-starring Sharvari Wagh, set for release on December 25, 2025. Additionally, her production house, Eternal Sunshine Productions, is known for its debut project, Darlings, a black comedy co-produced with Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, which premiered on Netflix India in 2022. The fraud case, while significant, does not appear to have disrupted Alia’s professional trajectory, as she remains focused on her upcoming projects.
Eternal Sunshine Productions: The Impact of the Fraud
Eternal Sunshine Productions, co-founded by Alia Bhatt and her sister Shaheen Bhatt, was established in 2021 with a mission to create “happy films” that focus on real, timeless, and heartwarming stories. The production house’s debut project, Darlings, was well-received, showcasing Alia’s ability to balance her acting career with her role as a producer. However, the fraud case has cast a shadow over the company, as a significant portion of the embezzled funds—reportedly ₹73 lakh—was siphoned from the production house’s accounts.
The financial irregularities at Eternal Sunshine Productions highlight the challenges faced by small production houses, even those backed by high-profile individuals. The loss of ₹73 lakh could have impacted the company’s operations, potentially affecting budgets for ongoing or future projects. However, there is no public information indicating that the fraud has caused significant disruptions to the company’s activities, suggesting that Alia and her team have taken steps to mitigate the financial damage.
Broader Implications for Bollywood
The arrest of Vedika Prakash Shetty has sparked discussions about the vulnerabilities faced by celebrities in managing their finances. As noted in a report by Sakshi Post, even high-profile individuals like Alia Bhatt are susceptible to fraud if they do not have trusted team members overseeing their financial affairs. The case underscores the importance of robust financial oversight, regular audits, and thorough background checks for employees handling sensitive responsibilities.
The incident also raises questions about the dynamics of trust in the entertainment industry, where personal assistants and managers often have significant access to a celebrity’s personal and professional life. Shetty’s ability to forge signatures and create fake invoices over two years suggests a lack of sufficient checks and balances, which may prompt other celebrities and production houses to review their financial management practices.
Last Updated on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 9:52 am by Mahitha Ventrapati
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