NEW DELHI: A High-Profile Inheritance Dispute Following Businessman Sanjay Kapur’s Death
The unexpected passing of Sanjay Kapur, a prominent businessman, has ignited a significant inheritance battle in India. Kapur collapsed during a polo match in Windsor in June, leading to a swift transition from expressions of sympathy to intense legal disputes. His estate, valued at approximately Rs 30,000 crore, has become the focal point of a bitter conflict involving his widow, Priya Sachdev Kapur; his mother, Rani Kapur; and his two children with actor Karisma Kapoor.
Recent allegations by the teenagers, Samaira and Kiaan, indicate that their father’s bank accounts had been “wiped clean” before the inheritance proceedings. In response, Priya has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court requesting to submit a comprehensive list of her late husband’s assets in a sealed cover, citing concerns over potential leaks and misuse. However, the court deemed that submitting such a list might be “problematic” since his children with Karisma possess the “right to question the assets disclosed.” The judge has mandated Priya to provide a complete disclosure of Sanjay’s assets and liabilities as of June 12, the date of his passing.
Who Was Sanjay Kapur?
Sanjay Kapur served as the chairman of Sona BLW Precision Forgings, known as Sona Comstar, and was regarded as a leader in the auto components sector. His personal life was highly publicized, characterized by marriages to designer Nandita Mahtani, actress Karisma Kapoor, and businesswoman Priya Sachdev. The 53-year-old passed away unexpectedly during a polo event after reportedly swallowing a bee, which ultimately led to a fatal heart attack.
The Estate at Stake
The central issue in this inheritance battle is Kapur’s estimated Rs 30,000 crore estate, which includes shares, properties, business entities, and family trusts. Following his death, multiple family members, including his widow Priya, his children with Karisma Kapoor, and his mother Rani, are all vying for their share of the substantial assets.
Key Players in the Legal Battle
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Rani Kapur: The matriarch of the family, she has openly challenged Priya Sachdev Kapur’s control over Aureus Investment. In a letter dated July 24, she expressed concerns about how affairs were being handled in the wake of Sanjay’s death and opposed Priya’s appointment to the company’s board.
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Samaira and Kiaan Kapur: The children of Sanjay and Karisma, they are living with their mother in Mumbai. They have contested the alleged will and seek a share of the assets reportedly valued at Rs 30,000 crore, despite Priya stating they previously received Rs 1,900 crore from the family trust.
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Priya Sachdev Kapur: After marrying Sanjay post his divorce from Karisma, she has claimed to protect both her husband’s legacy and her son’s rightful share. However, she faces opposition from Rani and Sanjay’s children.
Immediate Aftermath of Sanjay Kapur’s Death
The death of Sanjay Kapur triggered swift legal activities. In July, Sona Comstar conducted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) despite Rani Kapur’s plea to postpone it due to the family’s grief. Rani called the AGM “insensitive,” accusing others of taking advantage of the family tragedy. Sona Comstar, however, defended the meeting, asserting it complied with legal regulations and dismissing Rani’s objections, citing her lack of shareholder status since at least 2019.
The Controversial Will
The inheritance dispute escalated as Karisma Kapoor’s children filed a request for their rightful share based on a disputed will dated March 21, 2025, which allocates Sanjay’s entire estate to Priya. The children have contested this document, labeling it as “forged, fabricated, and surrounded by suspicious circumstances.” They argue that Sanjay never mentioned such a will during his life, and it was only brought to light after his death.
In their legal filing, they seek a partition of assets, rendering accounts, and an injunction to prevent Priya from selling or encumbering the estate. Concerns about transparency have been raised, as the plaintiffs claim they possess incomplete information concerning their father’s assets at the time of his death.
Priya’s Defense
Priya Kapur has countered the allegations, asserting that sufficient evidence exists to prove the will was created well before her husband’s passing. Her legal team has highlighted that approximately Rs 1,900 crore in assets have already been transferred to the plaintiffs, while also noting Karisma and Sanjay’s tumultuous divorce, emphasizing that she was “nowhere to be seen” following it.
The court proceedings will resume on Friday, as this high-stakes inheritance battle continues to unfold.
