SEBI said to probe Adani- Gulf Ties

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched an investigation into the relationship between the Adani Group, a prominent Indian conglomerate, and the Gulf Asia Trade & Investment fund based in the British Virgin Islands.

The probe aims to determine whether there have been violations of share ownership regulations, following allegations of accountancy fraud and stock manipulation made against the Adani Group.

Background

  • In January, a damning report by short-seller Hindenburg Research accused the Adani Group of governance risks, asserting that offshore shell firms clandestinely owned stakes in Adani’s publicly-listed companies.
  • This accusation led to SEBI’s scrutiny of the conglomerate’s affairs.

Details of the Investigation

Ownership and Connections

  • The Gulf Asia fund, reportedly owned by Dubai-based businessman Nasser Ali Shaban Ali, allegedly invested in Adani’s listed companies after SEBI’s directive in June 2013, which required companies to increase public shareholding to at least 2 percent of their total floats.

Financial Transactions

  • Gulf Asia’s investments in Adani Enterprises and Adani Power totaled $51.4 million by April 2014.
  • Over time, this investment reportedly surged to $202 million in four Adani entities, including Adani Transmission and Adani Ports.
  • Notably, Adani Enterprises did not disclose Gulf Asia as a related party in its annual reports, raising concerns about transparency.

Acting “In Concert”

  • SEBI officials are closely examining whether the Adani Group and the Gulf Asia fund acted “in concert,” potentially violating regulations.
  • This scrutiny aims to ascertain the nature of their relationship and the implications for shareholders.

Adani Group’s Response

  • The Adani Group vehemently denied all allegations of opaque funding and accountancy fraud.
  • In a statement issued earlier, the company dismissed the accusations as a calculated attack on India by vested interests and sections of the foreign media.

Find More Business News Here

 

 

Piyush Shukla

Recent Posts

Dussehra 2026: Top 30 Most Important GK MCQs with Answers

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival that symbolises the victory of…

10 hours ago

Dussehra and UNESCO: Ramlila, Durga Puja, Garba and India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

Both Dussehra and Navaratri are celebrated along with some very unique forms of culture of…

11 hours ago

From Hampi to Mysuru: History of Dasara and the Vijayanagara Empire

While Mysuru Dasara includes aspects of worship and regal pageantry, it also embodies the tradition…

11 hours ago

Mysuru Dasara 2026: History, Jamboo Savari, Chamundeshwari Temple and Cultural Significance

Mysuru Dasara, also referred to as Nada Habba in Karnataka, is an annual event that…

12 hours ago

Dussehra Celebrations Across India: 12 Unique Traditions, Regional Festivals and Cultural Significance

Dussehra, which can be alternatively called Vijayadashami or Dasara, is observed all over India in…

13 hours ago

Ravana in the Ramayana: 10 Facts About the King of Lanka

Ravana is undoubtedly one of the most complicated characters in the Indian epic genre. While…

14 hours ago