Alia Bhatt’s Ex-Secretary Arrested for Rs 76.9 Lakh Fraud After 5 Months on the Run

After nearly five months of evading authorities, Alia Bhatt’s former secretary has been arrested for allegedly siphoning off a massive sum of Rs 76.9 lakh from the actor’s accounts. The arrest has brought attention to rising cases of financial fraud even in the close-knit teams of public figures.

What Happened?

The accused, who worked closely with Alia Bhatt for over a year, allegedly used his position of trust to mislead the actor and divert large sums of money for personal use. Suspicion grew when irregularities in account statements were noticed, leading to an internal check.

Once confronted, the secretary went missing and had been untraceable since February. After months of investigation, police finally tracked him down and made the arrest this week.

How Was the Fraud Committed?

Reports suggest that the accused forged payment approvals and routed funds into accounts under his control. Using his access to Alia’s schedules and financial transactions, he managed to stay under the radar until discrepancies became too large to ignore.

The case highlights the vulnerabilities in managing celebrity finances, where trust plays a major role, often with limited oversight.

Impact on the Industry

This incident has sparked concern in the entertainment and management industry, where personal staff often handle sensitive responsibilities. Several celebrities are now re-evaluating their team structures and adopting stricter financial checks.

It also brings awareness to professionals in Tier 2 cities, where growing influencer and content creator markets are expanding and personal management is becoming a norm. This serves as a cautionary tale to build stronger accountability systems, regardless of city size or scale.

What Happens Next?

The accused is now in custody and will face legal proceedings under charges of criminal breach of trust and cheating. Authorities are also verifying whether similar frauds were carried out with other clients in the past.

Conclusion

This arrest marks a reminder that no matter how trusted someone may seem, transparency and regular checks are essential in managing personal or professional finances. As India’s creative and digital sectors expand beyond metro cities, lessons from such high-profile frauds are increasingly relevant for all.