It is not fiction. This is a real-life drama of an individual who stood by his ideals and brought one of the world’s mightiest nations to its knees.
It is the story of Dr. Raj Bothra, a physician of Indian descent, who endured the onslaught of the United States’ legal system for over three years before being fully acquitted of all charges. He suffered immensely, both physically and mentally, yet his ultimate triumph—a vindication of his professional integrity—has been so profound that he now seeks to share his story with the world.
Veteran actor Kabir Bedi, known for Sandokan and Octopussy, narrated the story and is set to portray Dr. Bothra in USA vs Raj, a biographical drama chronicling the Indian-American surgeon’s three-and-a-half-year imprisonment that ended in a unanimous jury acquittal.
These revelations emerged at the Toronto International Film Festival, which brings together the elite of global cinema on a single platform. The press event was hosted by Neha Mehta and Sunil Hali, who introduced the cast, the authors, and Dr. Bothra’s family.
Present at the release of the USA vs Raj biography, co-authored by Dr. Bothra and Jennifer DeBellis, were iconic figures including Ramesh Sippy of Sholay fame and Kabir Bedi. The story, highlighting the wrongful actions of a powerful state and their impact on public trust, will be adapted into a feature film.
Emily Shah joins the cast as Sonia Bothra, Dr. Bothra’s daughter, who stood by him during his legal ordeal. The film adaptation was showcased at this year’s Toronto Film Festival by directors Ramesh Sippy (Sholay) and Deepa Mehta (Fire).
The film, scheduled for release next year, features Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty (Slumdog Millionaire) and a script developed by Zill-e-Huma, Shubho Deep Pal, Hussain Dalal, and Abbas Dalal. Prashant Shah of Bollywood Hollywood Productions collaborates with London’s Twickenham Productions, with Sunny Vohra and Superna Sethi of Twickenham Studios serving as executive producers.
Directed and shot by Ravi K. Chandran (Bhramam), the film is targeting a summer 2026 release. It recounts the ordeal of Dr. Bothra, who faced 54 federal charges at age 79 before a jury cleared him of all allegations in June 2022. During his imprisonment, he spent over 1,300 days behind bars and was repeatedly denied bail.
USA vs Raj is a powerful debut exposing the fragility of public trust in the justice system. The memoir recounts one of the most shocking false arrests and imprisonments in recent U.S. history, offering a bold exposé on systemic abuse, prosecutorial overreach, and human resilience.
“This isn’t just my story,” says Dr. Bothra. “It’s the story of what can happen when power goes unchecked and when the government’s obsession with winning overrides truth and justice. But it’s also about faith, perseverance, and never giving up, even in the face of darkness.”
From humble beginnings in India to achieving the American dream through hard work and integrity, Dr. Bothra’s journey was nearly destroyed by a corrupt system. Yet, he emerged emboldened—an advocate for truth, justice reform, and the protection of the innocent.
For two decades, Dr. Bothra spent a month each year in India, at his own expense, raising awareness on issues like drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and tobacco use. In recognition, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors. He worked with Mother Teresa and briefed Pope John Paul I at the Vatican on health issues in developing countries. He also ran the Nargis Dutt Charity Foundation for a decade, providing state-of-the-art medical equipment to hospitals in India.
In both India and the U.S., Dr. Bothra participated in political discourse and authored multiple papers on medical and policy issues. Yet despite his service to both nations, he was wrongfully imprisoned by the federal government for 1,301 days without trial. On June 29, 2022, he was unanimously acquitted by a jury.
“The culture of ‘winning at any cost’ is so pervasive that justice has become blind,” says Dr. Bothra. “This book aims to raise awareness and propose common-sense reforms so that no one else has to endure 1,301 days behind bars before being declared innocent.”
Co-author Jennifer DeBellis, a transformational speaker and award-winning author, brings her expertise to the memoir. She has written Warrior Sister, Cut Yourself Free, New Wilderness, and Blood Sisters, and hosts the Restore Your Inner Warrior® Podcast. She also edits Pink Panther Magazine and directs the Detroit Writers’ Guild. Her work has appeared in Psychology Today, CALYX, Medical Literary Messenger, and The Good Men Project.
Dr. Bothra recalls the shocking moment when gun-toting police arrived at his home. “I was arrested suddenly and taken to a police station with four co-accused. All of them were released on bail the same day. I was denied bail nine times and imprisoned for over three years without explanation.”
“They wanted a false confession, which I refused. I endured untold misery and suffering but stood firm. They even pressured my wife, Pammi, and daughter, Sonia, but I did not relent. Ultimately, the jury acquitted me of all charges. My only question remains: can the system return the years stolen from me?”
