
Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams in India: We will explore the intricate details of each scam, providing insights into the modus operandi, key players involved, and the aftermath
Chennai, 04 September (City Times): Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams in India: India has witnessed its fair share of share market scams that have left investors and the general public in disbelief. These financial frauds have had far-reaching consequences, shaking the trust and confidence of investors in the Indian stock markets. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into 10 of the most controversial share market scams in India. We will explore the intricate details of each scam, providing insights into the modus operandi, key players involved, and the aftermath.
- The Harshad Mehta Scam (1992)

The Harshad Mehta scam, often referred to as the “Big Bull” scam, was one of the most significant stock market frauds in India’s history. Harshad Mehta, a stockbroker, manipulated the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) by exploiting loopholes in the banking system. He took advantage of the Ready Forward (RF) deals, where he used fake bank receipts to manipulate stock prices.(Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
The Aftermath:
- Harshad Mehta was arrested and faced legal proceedings.
- The scam led to a series of reforms in India’s stock market regulations.
- It also highlighted the need for improved surveillance and monitoring mechanisms.
- The Ketan Parekh Scam (2001)

Ketan Parekh, a stockbroker and chartered accountant, orchestrated a massive scam that revolved around rigging the prices of certain stocks, particularly those in the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sector. Parekh manipulated the market through circular trading and jacking up stock prices.(Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
The Aftermath:
- Ketan Parekh faced legal action and was banned from trading in the Indian stock markets.
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced stricter regulations and surveillance measures.
- This scam exposed the vulnerabilities in the banking sector, prompting reforms.
- The CRB Scam (1997)

The CRB scam, also known as the Chennai Finance Corporation scam, involved the Chennai-based CR Bhansali group. The company, led by C. R. Bhansali, lured investors with promises of high returns. The funds were primarily invested in the stock markets, real estate, and other speculative ventures.(Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
The Aftermath:
- The CRB group collapsed, causing severe financial losses to investors.
- C. R. Bhansali was arrested and faced legal consequences.
- The scam underscored the need for stricter regulations on collective investment schemes.
- The Satyam Scandal (2009)

Satyam Computer Services, once considered a giant in the IT industry, faced a shocking scandal in 2009. Founder and Chairman Ramalinga Raju admitted to inflating the company’s profits and fabricating its accounts, which amounted to a massive corporate fraud.(Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
The Aftermath:
- Ramalinga Raju and other key individuals were arrested.
- The company’s auditors, PwC, faced legal action and were banned from auditing listed companies.
- The Satyam scandal resulted in improved corporate governance practices.
- The IPO Scam (2006)

The IPO scam involved a nexus between stock market operators and financiers, who manipulated the initial public offering (IPO) process. These entities artificially inflated the share prices on the first day of trading, deceiving investors.
The Aftermath:
- SEBI tightened IPO regulations and introduced stricter penalties.
- Several entities involved in the scam were penalized and banned from trading.
- The scam highlighted the need for transparency in IPO pricing.
- The NSEL Scam (2013)

The National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL) scam was a case of commodity market manipulation. Promoters and defaulters at NSEL engaged in fraudulent trading practices, misleading investors by promising guaranteed returns.(Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
The Aftermath:
- Several individuals, including NSEL founder Jignesh Shah, faced legal action.
- Steps were taken to recover dues and compensate affected investors.
- The scam led to greater scrutiny of commodity exchanges in India.
- The Rose Valley Scam (2013)

The Rose Valley scam involved a Ponzi scheme operated by the Rose Valley Group. Investors were promised astronomical returns on investments in holiday membership plans and real estate ventures. However, the company used new investments to pay off earlier investors, creating a massive financial pyramid.(Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
The Aftermath:
- Rose Valley Group chairman Gautam Kundu was arrested and faced legal consequences.
- Regulatory authorities clamped down on fraudulent investment schemes.
- The scam highlighted the need for stricter regulations on collective investment schemes.
- The Saradha Scam (2013)

The Saradha Group operated a Ponzi scheme that targeted unsuspecting investors, particularly in West Bengal. The group lured investors with promises of high returns from various ventures, including real estate, media, and hospitality.
The Aftermath:
- Saradha Group chairman Sudipta Sen was arrested.
- Regulatory authorities took steps to protect investors from Ponzi schemes.
- The scam revealed gaps in regulatory oversight and led to increased vigilance.
- The SpeakAsia Scam (2011)

The SpeakAsia scam was a multi-level marketing (MLM) fraud that duped investors with promises of income for participating in online surveys. The company operated without a valid business model and relied on recruitment-driven income.(Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
The Aftermath:
- SpeakAsia’s key personnel were arrested, and the company was shut down.
- The scam raised awareness about MLM schemes and their risks.
- Regulatory authorities took measures to curb such fraudulent schemes.
- The Pearl Agrotech Scam (1997)

The Pearl Agrotech scam involved the issuance of fake shares by the company, which were then traded on stock exchanges. The promoters engaged in market manipulation, causing significant financial losses to investors.(Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
The Aftermath:
- Legal proceedings were initiated against the promoters of Pearl Agrotech.
- Regulatory authorities introduced measures to detect and prevent fake share issuances.
- The scam highlighted the importance of transparency in share issuances.
11. The BPL Scam (1992)
Details:
The BPL scam revolved around the consumer electronics company BPL Limited. Promoters and brokers manipulated the stock price through circular trading, creating false trading volumes.The scam involved false reporting and artificial demand for BPL shares.(Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
Aftermath:
- Regulatory authorities took strict action against fraudulent trading practices.
- BPL Limited faced financial turmoil but eventually managed to recover from the impact of the scam.
12. The Global Trust Bank Scam (2004)

Details: The Global Trust Bank scam exposed fraudulent practices within the banking sector. The bank concealed its non-performing assets (NPAs) and engaged in dubious lending practices. Mismanagement and lack of transparency contributed to the bank’s downfall.(Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
Aftermath:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervened and merged Global Trust Bank with Oriental Bank of Commerce to safeguard depositors’ interests.
- The scam led to significant reforms in banking regulations and improved disclosure norms in the Indian banking sector.
13. The Fairgrowth Financial Services Scam (2002)
Details: Fairgrowth Financial Services orchestrated a Ponzi scheme, defrauding investors with promises of high returns through collective investment schemes. The company attracted investors with deceptive marketing and unrealistic profit projections. (Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
Aftermath:
- The promoters of Fairgrowth Financial Services faced legal action and penalties.
- Regulatory authorities enhanced scrutiny of collective investment schemes to protect investors from similar scams.
14. The Damani Brothers Scam (2000)
Details: The Damani Brothers, promoters of DSQ Software, were embroiled in a financial scandal. They inflated the company’s profits and manipulated its stock price. The scam exposed fraudulent accounting practices and market manipulation.(Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
Aftermath:
- The Damani Brothers faced legal consequences, including penalties and litigation.
- The scandal underscored the importance of accurate financial reporting and transparency in corporate governance.
15. The Win-Realcon Scam (2008)
Details: The Win-Realcon scam involved fraudulent trading practices in the Indian stock markets. Promoters manipulated stock prices for certain companies, leading to artificial market movements. False rumours and market manipulation were key components of this scam. (Top 15 Controversial Share Market Scams )
Aftermath:
- Regulatory authorities imposed fines and penalties on those involved in the scam.
- The incident highlighted the need for improved surveillance and monitoring mechanisms to prevent market manipulation.