John Abraham with producer Ajay Kapoor

Ahmed Ali (THE TIMES OF INDIA; August 8, 2026)

Mumbai: A sessions court has granted interim protection from arrest to film producer Ajay Kapoor, who has backed movies like Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran, RAW (Romeo Akbar Walter), Attack, and his wife, Ekta Kapoor, in a cheating case registered by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) over alleged non-payment of more than Rs 17.70 crore to a company owned by politician-turned-real estate businessman Mohit Bhartiya alias Kambhoj. Additional Sessions Judge V R Jagdale observed that both applicants had appeared before the EOW and were partly cooperating with the investigation, while hearing their anticipatory bail plea.

The case arises from an FIR lodged by Sukumar Shetty, Bhartiya’s real estate manager, at Santacruz police station. Since the alleged fraud exceeded Rs 10 crore, the investigation was transferred to the EOW.

According to the complaint, the dispute relates to Kamboj Palace, formerly Khushi Belmondo Building, on Vallabhbhai Road in Santacruz (West). The building, developed by Hiral Classic Properties Pvt Ltd, received its occupation certificate in 2013, while a condominium of nine members comprising 13 apartments was formed in 2017. Bhartiya purchased four flats in the building in 2016, while the Kapoor couple jointly bought four flats in 2017.

Following a dispute over alleged unauthorized construction in 2022, the condominium appointed Bhartiya to undertake regularization, with costs to be shared proportionately by apartment owners. The complaint states that members also agreed to sell their flats to Bhartiya on mutually agreed terms, with 18% annual interest payable on outstanding regularization dues if transactions were delayed.

The Kapoor couple’s share towards regularization was pegged at Rs 5.83 crore, while their liability towards renovation, repairs and civil works was estimated at Rs 8.09 crore. Including interest from Nov 2022 to June 2026, the amount allegedly due exceeded Rs 17.70 crore. The complaint alleges the couple neither sold their flats nor reimbursed the expenses incurred on their behalf.