₹76.9 Lakh Embezzled Through Forged Documents and Fake Bills
According to police reports, Vedika Shetty, 32, systematically defrauded Eternal Sunshine Productions Pvt. Ltd., owned by Alia Bhatt, along with siphoning funds from Bhatt’s personal accounts. The alleged fraud took place between May 2022 and August 2024, a period during which Shetty had access to Bhatt’s confidential financial documents and was responsible for handling expenses, approvals, and planning the actress's schedule.
Investigators revealed that Shetty fabricated bills and receipts, claiming they were related to Alia Bhatt’s travel, meetings, and other professional obligations. She used advanced software and tools to create authentic-looking documents and managed to get them approved and signed by the actress herself.
Modus Operandi: Sophisticated Scheme with a Trusted Ally
The investigation uncovered a well-planned scheme. After securing Alia’s signature on the falsified bills, Shetty directed the payment to the bank account of a close associate. This individual would then funnel the funds back to Shetty, helping her conceal the theft.
This elaborate laundering strategy was executed over two years without arousing suspicion—until inconsistencies in records triggered an internal review.
Soni Razdan’s Complaint Triggers Police Action
The matter came to light when Soni Razdan, veteran actor and Alia Bhatt’s mother, noticed financial irregularities and filed an official complaint at Juhu Police Station on January 23, 2024. Following her report, authorities registered a case under IPC sections for criminal breach of trust and cheating.
The police then launched an intensive operation to locate Shetty, who had by then gone into hiding.
Manhunt Across States: From Rajasthan to Bengaluru
Shetty’s arrest wasn’t easy. Once the case was filed, she reportedly went underground, changing locations frequently to avoid arrest. Police traced her movements through Rajasthan, Karnataka, Pune, and finally Bengaluru, where she was eventually caught.
After locating her in Bengaluru, Juhu Police brought her back to Mumbai on a transit warrant, marking a significant breakthrough in the case.
Who Is Vedika Prakash Shetty?
Vedika Shetty was employed by Alia Bhatt from 2021 to 2024. As her personal assistant, she enjoyed close access to Alia’s professional and personal affairs. Trusted with sensitive information and financial responsibilities, Shetty’s role involved managing the star’s schedules, payments, and day-to-day logistics.
This trust, investigators believe, is exactly what allowed her to carry out the fraud without early detection.
Trust Breached: Celebrity Fraud Cases on the Rise
The incident is the latest in a growing list of financial frauds targeting celebrities, often committed by people within their inner circle. The entertainment industry’s fast-paced environment and reliance on personal staff for logistics make celebrities vulnerable to such breaches of trust.
Experts emphasize the need for more stringent financial checks, even when dealing with long-term employees.
Legal Consequences Await
With the case now under legal proceedings, Vedika Shetty is expected to face charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating, forgery, and criminal breach of trust. If convicted, she could face several years of imprisonment, along with additional penalties for financial fraud.
Meanwhile, authorities are also investigating the role of her associate in the laundering of funds.
Eternal Sunshine Productions Remains Operational
Despite the setback, Alia Bhatt’s production house, Eternal Sunshine Productions, continues to operate normally. Sources close to the actress said she is shocked but relieved that the culprit has been caught. The company is now conducting a full internal audit to ensure all financial records are in order and no further discrepancies exist.
Final Thoughts: Lessons in Financial Vigilance
This high-profile incident serves as a sobering reminder of how internal fraud can go unnoticed, even in well-managed organizations. For celebrities and business owners alike, trust alone isn’t enough—strong oversight, regular audits, and transparency in financial dealings are essential.
Alia Bhatt’s swift action through her mother and the efficient work by Mumbai Police ensured the arrest of the accused. But it also raises a larger question about safeguarding personal finances in the digital era, where even the closest employees can exploit trust.
As the case moves forward in court, the entertainment industry watches closely—hoping for justice and taking cues on how to protect their own inner circles.