Mumbai, 5th January 2024: In a significant turn of events surrounding the ‘Aakhiri Sach’ fraud case, the Delhi court has dismissed the anticipatory bail application filed by Preeti & Neeti Simoes, co-producers of the Disney Plus Hotstar thriller web series. The court’s decision not to grant anticipatory bail to Preeti & Neeti Simoes adds a new layer to the unfolding saga, highlighting the complexities surrounding the alleged fraud and manipulation within the production of the popular web series.
The court, however, clarified that there is currently no need for currently for custodial interrogation, alleviating immediate concerns of arrest. Should such an interrogation become necessary in the future, the investigating officer (IO) must provide a 15-day notice to the applicant to enable them to pursue legal recourse.
The case, initiated by Indian businessman Nikhil Nanda, accuses Neeti Simoes and her sister Preeti Simoes of fraudulent activities and transfer of funds to their mothers account (as in court order ) including manipulating the show’s end credits and misappropriating funds for personal use and taking kick backs from vendors. The FIR alleges that the Simoes sisters, along with businessman Nikhil Nanda, initially formed a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) for the production of ‘Aakhiri Sach.’ However, the collaboration soured, leading to accusations of unfair treatment and financial impropriety.
In a notable development, it was revealed that the Simoes sisters are no longer part of the LLP formed for the production of ‘Aakhiri Sach.’ Nanda’s FIR further alleges that the Simoes sisters, with the assistance of Rahul Jha, responsible for the post-production have fraudulently kept the hard discs which as per court order dated 5-1-24 have to be deposited with IO or Court immediately. This has prompted the Delhi Police to file an FIR against Preeti Simoes and Neeti Simoes under CRPC sections 420/406 for fraud.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time the Simoes sisters have faced such allegations.
Previously, actor-comedian Kapil Sharma accused them of defrauding him of 25 lakhs during their tenure as his managers, alleging that they also accepted bribes from individuals to be a part of the audience.
