Alia Bhatt's Ex-Manager Vedika Shetty Arrested In Bengaluru For Allegedly Cheating Rs 77 Lakh

Badrinath Ki Dulhania Mumbai Police have arrested the former manager of Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt in Bengaluru, allegedly for cheating her to the tune of Rs 77 lakh, NDTV reported.

The former assistant named Vedika Prakash Shetty (32) is facing allegations of committing irregularities worth Rs 76.9 lakh in Alia Bhatt's production company Eternal Sunshine Productions Private Limited, and her personal accounts.

Vedika Shetty served as Alia's personal assistant from 2021 to 2024. Throughout this period, she managed the actor's financial documents and payments, as well as organized her schedule.

The alleged fraudulent activity occurred between May 2022 and August 2024. Alia's mother lodged a complaint with the Juhu Police on January 23. Subsequently, a case was filed under sections pertaining to criminal breach of trust and cheating, prompting the police to initiate a search for Vedika Shetty.

Following the filing of the police complaint by Razdan, Vedika Shetty went into hiding and continuously altered her whereabouts. She was traced to Rajasthan, then to Karnataka, followed by Pune, and finally to Bengaluru. Ultimately, the Juhu police apprehended her in Bengaluru and took her into custody. She was then transported to Mumbai on a transit demand.

How The Money Was Swindled?

The investigation has disclosed that Vedika Shetty allegedly fabricated false invoices, persuaded Bhatt to endorse them, and misappropriated the funds, the report said citing sources. She informed the actor that these expenses were related to her travel, meetings, and other associated arrangements.

Shetty is accused of using professional tools to create these counterfeit invoices that appeared legitimate. Once Ms. Bhatt signed them, the funds were transferred to her friend's account, who subsequently funnelled the money back to Vedika Shetty.

Who Is Alia Bhatt?

Alia Bhatt is a well-known actress who has worked in over 25 Hindi movies. She started her career as a child artiste in Sangharsh in 1999 before making her debut as a female lead in Karan Johar's Student of The Year in 2012.

Thereafter, she has worked in movies such as 2 States, Udta Punjab, Badrinath Ki Dulhania, RRR, Brahmāstra: Part One - Shiva, among others.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to include new information.