The Hon’ble Sessions Court, Mumbai rejects Director Ali Abbas Zafar’s challenge to FIR dated 08.12.2024 Filed by Vashu Bhagnani for cheating Under IPC Sections 120B, 406, 420, and more for ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ Fraud.
The Hon’ble Court recorded that since FIR has been filed pursuant to order dated 02.12.2024 passed by Bandra Court, hence the challenge by Ali Zafar and others does not survive.
Acting on the directive of the Hon’ble 12th Metropolitan Magistrate, Bandra, the Bandra Police had registered an FIR on 08.12.2024 against director Ali Abbas Zafar, co-producer Himanshu Mehra, and finance head Ekesh Randive for alleged financial fraud and misconduct during the production of the film ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.’
This development signifies a huge victory for veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani who had filed a complaint before the Hon’ble Court of Bandra which had then issued an order (dated 02.12.2024). In response, the Bandra Police has registered an FIR against Ali Abbas Zafar, Himanshu Mehra, and Ekesh Randive under IPC Sections 120B (Criminal Conspiracy), 406 (Criminal Breach of Trust), 420 (Cheating), 464 (Making False Document), 468 (Forgery for Cheating), 471 (Using Forged Document), 500 (Defamation), and 506 (Criminal Intimidation).
The complainant, BMCM Films Limited has accused the respondents of “conspiring to inflate production costs, forging invoices, misappropriating funds, and breaching contractual agreements.” The production budget, initially set at ₹125 crore (excluding actor fees), was later increased to ₹154 crore. The complaint also elaborated that despite this, “the accused allegedly overspent, engaged in fraudulent activities, and failed to provide accurate accounts of expenditures.”
Key allegations include:
· Forging invoices and documents to inflate costs.
· Misappropriating substantial funds, including the Abu Dhabi government’s rebate.
· Breaching agreements by failing to obtain prior written approval for expenses.
· Incurring unnecessary costs for equipment rentals, luxury accommodations, and external vendors.
The Bandra Police have initiated an investigation to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial irregularities and bring the accused to justice.
