Kannada Actor Dhruva Sarja Booked in Multi-Crore Cheating Case in Mumbai
The Amboli police in Mumbai have registered a cheating case against Kannada actor Dhruva Sarja, accusing him of duping filmmaker Raghavendra Hegde of Rs 9.58 crore. The case involves allegations of unfulfilled promises and financial mismanagement.
Dhruva SarjaRaghavendra HegdeCheating CaseAmboli PoliceBharatiya Nyaya SanhitaReal Estate MumbaiAug 09, 2025
In his statement to the Amboli police, filmmaker Raghavendra Hegde recounted that, “After the success of my first film, in the year 2016, South Indian film actor Dhruva Kumar alias Dhruva Sarja came to my office and expressed his desire to work with me in a film. Sarja continuously pursued me to work together from 2016 to 2018 and also gave me the script of a film (The Soldier).”
Hegde stated that after repeated requests and insistence from Sarja, he agreed to collaborate. “Then one day, Sarja requested me to give him Rs 3 crore before signing a contract with him, so that he could buy a flat for himself. At that time, Sarja assured me that he would soon start working on our above-mentioned film,” Hegde told police.
Believing in Sarja’s commitment, Hegde said he arranged the money by borrowing at high interest rates and transferred Rs 3.15 crore to Sarja through his production companies — RH Entertainment and Rs 9 Entertainment, as well as from personal funds. This transfer took place before a formal agreement was signed on February 21, 2019. As per the agreement, filming was to begin in January 2020 and be completed by June 2020.
Hegde alleges that after receiving the money, Sarja sought repeated extensions and later became unresponsive, even after the COVID-19 lockdown was lifted. He claims Sarja also compelled him to make additional payments to third parties, including scriptwriters and publicity consultants, pushing the total expenditure to over Rs 3.43 crore. Eventually, Sarja allegedly withdrew from the project, stopped taking calls, avoided meetings, and expressed his inability to proceed.
Hegde further cited a 2021 letter from Hyderabad-based People Media Factory to the Karnataka Film Chamber, which accused Sarja of taking money for another project and refusing to work, leading to a case at Madhapur police station.
Acting on Hegde’s complaint, Amboli police registered a case against Sarja under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 316(2) (Criminal Breach of Trust) and 318(4) (Cheating and dishonest inducement to deliver property). Investigators are examining financial records, agreements, and bank transactions submitted by Hegde, who claims that, with 18 per cent interest since 2018, his losses now exceed Rs 9.58 crore.
Advocate Mahesh Vinod Rajpopat, representing Hegde, stated that Sarja had duped his client after taking his professional fees. “Upon follow-up, my clients were not given dates for their upcoming project,” he said.
According to police, API Pradeep Funde of Amboli Police Station issued summons to Sarja after receiving the complaint. When Sarja failed to appear, a second summons was sent. Sarja then secured a 10-day transit anticipatory bail from a Bangalore court, but instead of appearing at Amboli Police Station, he filed for anticipatory bail at the Dindoshi Sessions Court on July 30.
On August 5, the court granted interim protection till the concerned Police station files its say, ordering that in case of arrest, Sarja be released on bail of Rs 50,000 with a surety of the same amount, valid until August 5, 2025. The matter was adjourned till August 14, 2025.
Advocate Ashima Mandla, representing Sarja, declined comment, saying the matter was sub judice and that her client would submit evidence as per procedure. Senior Inspector Pramod Kumar Shriram Kokate of Amboli police station said, “An FIR has been registered and the investigation into the matter is underway.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dhruva Sarja?
Dhruva Sarja is a Kannada actor known for his roles in several successful films. He is currently facing a cheating case in Mumbai.
What is the amount alleged to be cheated?
The amount alleged to be cheated is Rs 9.58 crore, including interest and additional payments.
What is the role of Raghavendra Hegde in this case?
Raghavendra Hegde is a filmmaker and producer who accused Dhruva Sarja of cheating him by taking money for a film project that was never completed.
What sections of the law is Sarja being charged under?
Sarja is being charged under Sections 316(2) (Criminal Breach of Trust) and 318(4) (Cheating and dishonest inducement to deliver property) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
What is the current status of the case?
The case is currently under investigation by the Amboli police. Dhruva Sarja has been granted interim protection and bail, and the matter is adjourned till August 14, 2025.
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