Vedika Prakash Shetty Allegedly Cheated Both Bollywood Stars; Rautela’s Mother Opens Up About Similar Past Incidents
Mumbai, July 9, 2025 – In a sensational turn of events, Vedika Prakash Shetty, a former personal assistant to Bollywood superstar Urvashi Rautela, and later to actor Alia Bhatt, has been arrested by Mumbai Police for allegedly embezzling approximately Rs 77 lakh from Alia Bhatt and her production company. The financial irregularities reportedly occurred over a span of two years, from May 2022 to August 2024, and were first detected by Soni Razdan, Alia Bhatt’s mother and a producer associated with the company.
Following the arrest, Meera Rautela, mother of Urvashi Rautela, came forward with shocking revelations about similar experiences her family faced while Vedika was employed as Urvashi’s 24/7 executive assistant. According to Meera, the assistant had allegedly committed multiple acts of theft, including stealing money from both her and Urvashi’s grandmother, during her tenure between 2015 and 2017.
Rs 77 Lakh Fraud: How It Unfolded in Alia Bhatt’s Case
As per reports confirmed by Mumbai Police, Vedika Shetty was entrusted with responsibilities related to financial and administrative management within Alia Bhatt’s production setup. The alleged fraud came to light when Soni Razdan noticed significant discrepancies in the company’s financial statements and Alia’s personal accounts.
An audit and internal review led to the discovery of unaccounted transactions amounting to Rs 76.9 lakhs, triggering a formal complaint and subsequent police investigation. Vedika was taken into custody earlier this week and is currently under judicial remand as further inquiries are ongoing.
Urvashi Rautela’s Family Alleges Past Theft by the Same Assistant
In light of the recent arrest, Meera Rautela has shared her family’s prior ordeal with Vedika Shetty, adding that the assistant had previously caused emotional and financial turmoil to the Rautela household as well.
Speaking exclusively, Meera said:
“Vedika Shetty was employed as a 24/7 executive assistant to my daughter during 2015–2017. She joined shortly after Urvashi’s return from Miss Universe in Las Vegas and during her Miss Universe India crown handover in 2016. Her responsibilities included managing wardrobe logistics, overseeing fittings, and taking care of personal belongings. Sadly, she exploited that trust.”
Alleged Incidents of Theft Within the Rautela Household
Recalling one particularly distressing incident, Meera narrated how Vedika allegedly stole a large sum of money from her mother, Urvashi’s grandmother:
“During the Miss Universe India crown handover ceremony in 2016, my mother came to stay with us in Mumbai from Nainital. One day, while she visited the doctor, her briefcase—left securely in our home—was accessed by Vedika, who allegedly took money amounting to several lakhs. We only realized this once my mother prepared to leave and found the money missing.”
Another incident involved Meera herself. She claims she personally witnessed Vedika stealing from her handbag during the same event preparation:
“I was at home finalizing sarees for the red carpet with my tailor. I left my purse in Vedika’s care while attending fittings. When I turned around from the mirror, I clearly saw Vedika take money from my bag. She denied it immediately when confronted, but I knew what I saw. It only reinforced my earlier suspicions.”
Misrepresentation of Identity and Abuse of Trust
Adding to the gravity of the matter, Meera said that Vedika allegedly misrepresented her identity to build trust and access:
“During her employment, she claimed to be related to celebrities like Shilpa Shetty and Suniel Shetty, which we later found to be false. She used these claims to position herself in a place of deep trust within our family. These actions caused enormous distress, particularly to Urvashi’s grandmother, who was emotionally affected by the betrayal.”
Police Complaints Filed Earlier by the Rautela Family
Meera Rautela confirmed that they had lodged a complaint with the authorities after the incidents, though at the time, the matter didn’t escalate to the extent it has now in Alia Bhatt’s case. The family chose to remain discreet, focusing on Urvashi’s career and minimizing public attention. However, with Vedika’s recent arrest, the Rautelas believe justice may finally be served.
“We had filed a police complaint back then, and while we didn’t pursue it as aggressively due to professional commitments, today’s developments vindicate our concerns. I hope no other family has to go through what we did. It’s important people know about her background.”
Pattern of Deception? Industry Reactions Pour In
Vedika’s arrest has sent shockwaves through Bollywood’s inner circles, with many insiders discussing the need for stricter background checks and screening when hiring personal staff, especially those handling finances or having unrestricted access to private residences and high-value assets.
A prominent Mumbai-based celebrity manager (who preferred to remain anonymous) commented:
“Many of us rely on assistants like family. They’re trusted with confidential information, assets, and access. Incidents like these are a wake-up call for all of us to take preventive measures. Emotional and financial betrayal from someone in your inner circle is devastating.”
What’s Next: Legal Proceedings Underway
With multiple complaints now potentially being reviewed, authorities are investigating whether Vedika Shetty was involved in similar misconduct with other public figures. Her pattern of behavior, as outlined by both the Rautela and Bhatt families, could warrant more charges under Sections related to criminal breach of trust, theft, and fraud.
The Mumbai Police have urged anyone with similar complaints or information about Vedika’s professional conduct during her tenure with high-profile individuals to come forward.
Conclusion: Breach of Trust in Bollywood’s Inner Circles
This case has not only brought to light an alarming pattern of financial misconduct but also revealed how close-knit trust systems in celebrity ecosystems can be exploited. With both Urvashi Rautela’s and Alia Bhatt’s families alleging serious violations of trust and financial theft, Vedika Shetty’s arrest could become a landmark example of why due diligence and accountability in celebrity management is more critical than ever.
As legal proceedings progress, all eyes will be on what unfolds next in this high-profile betrayal—and whether it leads to wider industry changes in how personal staff are vetted and trusted.