CHANDIGARH: A Chandigarh district court has summoned Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and his sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri to appear on October 5 in connection with an alleged financial fraud of around Rs 3 crore linked to a Being Human jewellery showroom.
According to reports from leading Indian media outlets like India Today and Hindustan Times, the summons comes in a criminal complaint filed by Chandigarh-based businessman Arun Gupta, who has alleged cheating and breach of trust related to the brand’s jewellery vertical.
The case, which has been pending since 2021, has now entered the judicial trial stage. According to reports, the court has directed all named persons, including company directors, to remain present on the next date of hearing.
According to the complaint, Arun Gupta, a Manimajra-based trader, opened an exclusive store under the brand “Being Human Jewellery” in 2018 after being approached by employees of the company. He claims to have invested between Rs 2 to 3 crore in setting up the showroom.
Gupta has alleged that he was given several assurances under the franchise agreement, including:
– Full operational and marketing support from the company
– Timely supply of jewellery stock
– Promotion of the store by Salman Khan himself
– Presence of Salman Khan at the inauguration of the showroom
The complainant stated that none of the promises were fulfilled. He was allegedly assured that Salman Khan would inaugurate the store, but actor Aayush Sharma, Khan’s brother-in-law, attended in his place.
Later, Gupta claims, the supply of jewellery became irregular, the concerned liaison office was shut down, and despite repeated written communications and requests for meetings, the losses continued to mount, forcing the closure of the business.
Based on his complaint of ‘cheating’, the Chandigarh Police had earlier summoned Salman Khan, his sister Alvira and six others for inquiry to verify facts of the complaint.
The matter first came to light in July 2021, when Chandigarh Police issued notices to Salman Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Being Human Foundation CEO and officials of Style Quotient Jewellery Pvt Ltd for questioning on July 13. Police at the time had said action would be taken if any criminal element was found.
Defence Denies Allegations
The Being Human Foundation and its licensing partner have previously denied all allegations.
Style Quotient Jewellery Pvt Ltd (SQJPL), which is the global licensee for the jewellery vertical of Being Human, had issued a statement clarifying its position.
The company stated that Salman Khan has apparently nothing to do with the dispute over Being Human’s jewellery line.
In its statement, SQJPL maintained that the relevant franchise agreement was executed between the licensed company and the complainant, and that neither Salman Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, nor the Being Human Foundation itself were party to the said agreement.
The foundation reiterated that the Being Human brand operates through various licensed verticals — apparel, watches, jewellery — which are managed by independent licensee companies responsible for their own commercial agreements.
The court will now hear both sides on October 5, when Salman Khan and other accused have been directed to appear.
