The case involving the alleged swindling of a consortium of 17 banks by Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd (DHFL) is being termed as the largest banking loan fraud in India. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into this Rs 34,000 crore scandal, recently arresting Dheeraj Wadhawan on Tuesday. This arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into DHFL’s financial irregularities.
Dheeraj Wadhawan, along with his brother Kapil Wadhawan, has been under the scanner for several years. In 2022, the CBI had already filed a charge sheet against Dheeraj for his involvement in the case. Prior to this, Dheeraj had been implicated in the Yes Bank corruption case, for which he was initially taken into custody by the CBI and later released on bail. The consistent legal troubles for the Wadhawan brothers highlight the extensive nature of their alleged financial misconduct.
The financial woes of the Wadhawan brothers are not limited to the DHFL fraud case. In February 2021, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) ordered the attachment of their bank accounts, shares, and mutual fund holdings. This decision was made to recover dues amounting to Rs 22 lakh, which arose from a fine imposed for non-compliance with disclosure norms. Both brothers were fined Rs 10.6 lakh each, including the initial penalty, interest, and recovery costs. The penalties highlight the regulatory crackdown on the Wadhawan brothers’ financial dealings.
In July 2023, SEBI further imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh each on the Wadhawan brothers for additional violations of disclosure regulations. At the time, Kapil Wadhawan served as the Chairman and Managing Director of DHFL, while Dheeraj Wadhawan held the position of a non-executive director. Both were integral members of DHFL’s administrative board, making them key figures in the company’s operations and, consequently, the alleged fraud.
Adding to the complexity of the case, last Saturday, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the CBI regarding Dheeraj Wadhawan’s bail application, which was filed on medical grounds. This recent legal move indicates ongoing judicial scrutiny and the high stakes involved in the resolution of this massive banking fraud case.
The DHFL fraud case underscores the severe impact of financial misconduct on the banking sector and the broader economy. It also highlights the crucial role of regulatory bodies like SEBI and investigative agencies like the CBI in maintaining financial integrity and accountability. As the investigation continues, the legal and financial ramifications for the Wadhawan brothers and their associates are expected to be significant.
Follow for more.
Leave feedback about this