'Mahabharat' actor Aayush Shah files complaint against MyFledge directors in ₹4.44 crore cheating case; Mumbai court orders FIR

A Mumbai court has directed the Oshiwara police to register an FIR and investigate allegations of cheating and forgery against the directors of MyFledge Private Limited in a case involving an alleged financial fraud of over ₹4.44 crore, following a complaint by television actor Aayush Ashitkumar Shah, known for his role in 'Mahabharat'.

In an order dated November 2, Judicial Magistrate First Class Shailja O. Pandey of the Railway Mobile Court, Andheri, directed the officer-in-charge of Oshiwara police station to register a crime and investigate the allegations under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The complaint names Bishwajit Badal Ghosh and others, including Piyalee Shyamlendu Chatterjee and Bijoya Subratkumar Das, in connection with the alleged financial transactions.

The court, after hearing the complainant's counsel and examining the complaint and documents, observed that the material placed before it disclosed a prima facie cognisable offence warranting a police investigation.

“The record along with documents prima-facie reveals that a cognisable offence has taken place,” the magistrate observed.

The order records that Shah is an actor by profession and is also involved in providing communication, media, public relations and brand-building services through a business run with his sister. According to the complaint, Ghosh approached Shah through a social media platform and subsequently induced him to invest in MyFledge Private Limited by projecting its income-generating business and expansion plans.

The complaint alleged that the accused used false and forged bank account statements, property documents relating to houses and office premises in Mumbai, fabricated awards, bogus contacts and promises of future investments to persuade Shah to invest money.

According to the order, Shah and his family members allegedly advanced ₹4,44,48,000 to the respondents through various modes. The complaint further alleged that the respondents subsequently took an additional ₹85 lakh, promising that their policy would mature by the end of December 2025. The amount was allegedly not returned despite repeated assurances and requests for extensions.

The magistrate also took note of a preliminary inquiry report submitted by the police, which reportedly indicated that the respondents had taken a loan from the complainant and issued 32 cheques in his favour.

Explaining why a police investigation was necessary, the court observed that the nature of the allegations required collection of evidence and a detailed investigation.

“The nature of offence and the documents leads to the inference that the matter involves collection of evidence, detail and scientific investigation, which can be exclusively done by police,” the order stated.

The court further noted that despite approaching the Oshiwara police station, the complainant's efforts had not resulted in an investigation, compelling him to approach the court.

Directing the police to register the crime, the magistrate ordered that an investigation report be submitted before the court within two months of receiving the order.

Shah has also reportedly filed six criminal cheque-bounce cases against the MyFledge directors before the Girgaon Court in Mumbai.

Reacting to the development, Shah said the experience had been deeply distressing, both personally and financially. He expressed gratitude to the court for taking cognisance of his complaint and said he hoped the investigation would establish the facts and ensure justice.

His lawyer, Advocate Govind Ghogare, said the order was an important step towards ensuring that the allegations were investigated in accordance with the law.