Mumbai | July 9, 2025 : In a shocking turn of events from the Bollywood world, the Mumbai Police have arrested Alia Bhatt’s former assistant for allegedly cheating the actor out of ₹77 lakh. The accused, who worked in a position of trust and had close access to the Bhatt family, was taken into custody following a complaint filed by Alia’s mother, actor-director Soni Razdan, earlier this year.

The case, which had been under investigation since January 23, 2025, began when Soni Razdan noticed irregularities in financial transactions linked to household and professional expenses. Suspecting foul play, she approached the Mumbai police with formal charges against the assistant, who had worked with the Bhatt family for a significant period.

According to police sources, the accused allegedly misused his position to divert funds over an extended period. These transactions, made under the pretext of routine expenses and reimbursements, were discovered to be fraudulent only after a detailed audit was conducted at the request of the family. The total amount siphoned off was reported to be ₹77 lakh, spread across various personal and professional dealings.

A senior officer involved in the case confirmed that the accused had forged documents and manipulated bank records to cover his tracks. "He took advantage of the family’s trust and had access to multiple financial accounts. His actions were deliberate and well planned," said the officer. Investigators are now working to trace the flow of funds and determine whether any third parties were involved.

The assistant was arrested from his residence in suburban Mumbai following a short manhunt. He has been booked under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating, breach of trust, and forgery. He is currently in judicial custody and is expected to be produced in court later this week.

While neither Alia Bhatt nor Soni Razdan has made a public statement following the arrest, sources close to the family stated they were “shocked and saddened” by the betrayal of someone who had been considered a trusted part of their household.

Alia Bhatt, one of the leading actors of Indian cinema, has always kept her personal matters private. However, this incident has drawn considerable attention, with fans expressing support and outrage across social media platforms. Many have also applauded Soni Razdan for taking swift legal action.

The case has sparked a larger conversation in celebrity and corporate circles about the importance of regular financial audits and background checks, even for long-standing employees. As public figures often rely on tight-knit teams to manage daily affairs, breaches of trust such as this serve as a harsh reminder of potential vulnerabilities.

The police have assured that the investigation is ongoing and that any additional persons found involved will be prosecuted accordingly. Meanwhile, authorities are working to recover the misappropriated funds and assess any long-term impact on the Bhatt family's financial matters.

This high-profile fraud case serves as a stark reminder that even those in trusted inner circles can sometimes turn rogue, making vigilance an unfortunate but necessary part of fame and fortune.