Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt’s former secretary, Vedika Prakash Shetty, has been arrested by Mumbai’s Juhu Police for allegedly defrauding the actress of ₹77 lakh over a two-year period.
According to a statement from Mumbai Police, Shetty was arrested in Bengaluru and produced before a local court on Tuesday. She has been remanded to police custody until July 10. The case was initially registered several months ago following a complaint filed by Alia’s mother, veteran actress Soni Razdan.
Shetty, who served as Alia’s secretary between 2021 and 2024, allegedly forged the actress’s signature and misappropriated funds while managing her financial transactions and professional schedule. The case has been registered under Sections 316(4) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). After the fraud came to light, Shetty reportedly absconded. Neither Alia Bhatt nor her representatives have issued a statement regarding the arrest.
Meanwhile, the actress is currently filming her next project, Alpha, where she portrays a spy. The film also stars Sharvari and is already generating buzz for its gripping storyline and high-octane sequences.
In a lighter moment amid the legal developments, Alia recently expressed admiration for her husband Ranbir Kapoor’s first look as Lord Ram in the upcoming epic, Ramayana. Sharing the teaser on Instagram, she wrote, “Some things don’t need words. This feels like the start of something unforgettable. Diwali 2026 — we’re waiting.”
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. The teaser showcases powerful visuals, including a symbolic introduction of the holy trinity — Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva — followed by animated sequences revealing the lead characters. The film is set for a grand global release in two parts: Part 1 during Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027.
