Deepak Tijori files ₹1.75cr cheating case against producer Vikram Khakhar
What's the story
Bollywood actor Deepak Tijori has reportedly filed a fraud complaint against film producer Vikram Khakhar, accusing him of cheating him out of nearly ₹1.75 crore.
Per a report by Bollywood Hungama, the complaint was registered at Mumbai's Amboli Police Station.
According to Tijori's complaint, the police have lodged a case against Khakhar under Sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code.
Initial meeting
Tijori, Khakhar first met in 2019
As per officials from Amboli Police Station, Tijori (62) first met Khakhar (producer of One by Two, Virsa, Dobara, and Bhaiyya Ji) in 2019.
During their interactions, Tijori mentioned that he was working on a film project titled Tipppsy, which had been put on hold.
Khakhar then allegedly informed Tijori that he had contacts in London and could help complete the film there, estimating a cost of ₹1.5 crore for the project.
Money transfer
Tijori transferred ₹1.74 crore to Khakhar's company
Trusting Khakhar, on March 3, 2020, Tijori transferred ₹1.74cr to Khakhar's company, Thought Benchers.
However, when Tijori inquired about the progress of the film a few days later, Khakhar claimed that all activities in London had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even after the pandemic subsided, Khakhar repeatedly promised to deliver the film, but after several delays, nothing materialized.
When Tijori messaged Khakhar in March, 2024, asking for his money back, Khakhar failed to provide a satisfactory response.
Legal action
Tijori discovered funds intended for film were not used
Tijori soon discovered that Khakhar had not spent any of the money on the film, leading him to believe he had been defrauded.
Subsequently, on Tuesday (September 17), Tijori filed a formal complaint with the Amboli Police.
In his statement to the police, Tijori alleged that from March 2020 to March 2024, he had continuously inquired about the film, but Khakhar kept avoiding the subject.