Arushi Nishank, daughter of Uttarakhand’s former Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, has accused Mumbai-based Mini Films Pvt Ltd of duping her of Rs. 4 crore. The production company, owned by Mansi Varun Bagla and her husband Pramod Kumar Bagla, allegedly misled Arushi into investing in a film project. Following the alleged fraud, an FIR has been registered in Dehradun against the accused.
The Investment by Arushi Nishank and the Alleged Fraud
Arushi Nishank, who owns Himshrri Films and is actively involved in film production and acting, met with the producers of Mini Films in October 2024 in Dehradun. During the meeting, the producers informed her about their upcoming project, Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan, featuring Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor. They offered Arushi the second female lead role and convinced her to invest in the film as a co-producer.
The producers assured Arushi that the film would be a profitable venture, promising her a 20% share of the film’s earnings, which they estimated would surpass Rs. 15 crore. They also guaranteed that if she was dissatisfied with the role, they would refund her investment along with 15% interest. Convinced by these assurances, Arushi transferred Rs. 4 crore to Mini Films. However, once the transaction was completed, the producers allegedly stopped responding to her calls, raising suspicions of fraud.
Legal Action Taken by Arushi Nishank and Investigation
Arushi confirmed that on October 9, 2024, she signed an MoU stating that she and her firm, Himshrri Films, would serve as co-producers of the film alongside the Mumbai-based production house. However, after multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact the producers, she realized she had been misled. She has now filed charges of fraud, criminal conspiracy, threats, and violations under the IT Act against Mansi and Varun Bagla.
The Dehradun police have initiated an investigation into the matter. Law enforcement authorities are looking into financial transactions, communication records, and the legitimacy of the investment agreement signed between Arushi and Mini Films.
Mini Films Pvt Ltd Denies Allegations
In response to the allegations, Mansi Varun Bagla and Pramod Kumar Bagla released an official statement, denying all claims made by Arushi Nishank. The producers dismissed her accusations as “false and misleading,” stating that the dispute is a civil matter rather than a criminal offense.
Their statement read: “This is a civil dispute, and we are taking the necessary legal recourse to address the matter. Further, Arushi Nishank approached us in Mumbai, persistently following up for a meeting with us. She stated that she is the daughter of the ex-minister of Uttarakhand and wanted to collaborate with us through her company, Himshrri Films, for our film.”
The Baglas have emphasized their intent to pursue legal action to counter the allegations while questioning Arushi’s political influence and personal motivations behind filing the complaint.
What Lies Ahead?
As the legal battle unfolds, the case’s outcome will depend on the investigation’s findings and the judicial proceedings that follow. The police are currently gathering evidence and statements from both parties to determine the veracity of the claims.
Arushi Nishank remains firm on her stance and is hopeful that justice will be served. Meanwhile, Mini Films Pvt Ltd continues to maintain that the allegations are baseless and that they will fight the charges legally.
With a high-profile legal battle underway, the coming weeks will reveal more details about the case. For now, all eyes remain on the ongoing investigation and the next steps taken by both parties involved.
