The scam began to unravel in 1992, when a journalist, Sucheta Dalal, wrote an exposé on Mehta's alleged irregularities. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched an investigation, which revealed a massive scam involving over ₹4,500 crores (approximately $600 million USD).
However, beneath the surface, Mehta's success was built on a web of deceit and corruption. He was allegedly using a complex network of bankers, politicians, and businessmen to manipulate the stock market and artificially inflate stock prices. He was also using fake companies and fictitious accounts to siphon off money from investors.
The Harshad Mehta story serves as a reminder that financial success built on deceit and corruption is ultimately unsustainable. The allure of quick riches and the desire for status can lead even the most intelligent and capable individuals down a path of destruction.
The Harshad Mehta scam was a wake-up call for the Indian financial system. It exposed the deep-seated corruption and loopholes in the regulatory framework. The SEBI and other regulatory bodies were forced to revisit their policies and strengthen their oversight.
Mehta's empire began to crumble rapidly. He was arrested in 1992 and charged with various crimes, including cheating, forgery, and conspiracy. The SEBI banned him from dealing in securities, and his assets were frozen.
