CBI QUESTIONS ANIL AMBANI FOR 7 HOURS IN RCOM LOAN FRAUD CASE: LALIT GARG

CBI QUESTIONS ANIL AMBANI FOR 7 HOURS IN RCOM LOAN FRAUD CASE: LALIT GARG

21-MARCH-ENG 15

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------The CBI on Friday questioned industrialist Anil Ambani for over seven hours in connection with a ₹2,929 crore fraud case registered against Reliance Communications Limited (RCom) and Ambani, based on a complaint filed by the State Bank of India. Officials provided this information.

They stated that for the second consecutive day, Anil Ambani arrived at the agency's headquarters around 10:00 AM and departed from the office around 5:15 PM.

Officials added that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted questioning regarding the alleged diversion of funds, misappropriation, and other irregularities concerning the loan funds disbursed to the company by the bank, and also sought information regarding several documents.

In a statement, a CBI spokesperson said, "Since the questioning remained incomplete on March 19, 2026, he was summoned to appear again at the CBI office on March 20, 2026—that is, today. The accused, Anil D. Ambani, appeared again today before the Investigating Officer at the CBI headquarters for further questioning and was interrogated for approximately seven hours."

The spokesperson further mentioned that in a separate case involving loan default and fraud linked to Reliance Commercial Finance Limited, the CBI on Friday questioned Divi Dangi, a Whole-Time Director associated with Authum Investment and Infrastructure Limited—the entity that has acquired the assets of the companies under investigation: Reliance Commercial Finance Limited and Reliance Home Finance Limited.

This case involves a fraud amounting to ₹57.47 crore, in which the CBI has registered a case against Reliance Commercial Finance Limited, Devang Pravin, Ravindra Somayajula Rao, and other unknown entities—including public servants—on charges of cheating the Bank of Maharashtra. Ambani's spokesperson stated in a statement on Thursday, "This appearance demonstrates Ambani's commitment to fully cooperate with all agencies in this matter."

Yesterday as well, in connection with this case, the investigative agency questioned the industrialist for approximately eight hours.

Officials stated that the CBI had registered a case against Ambani last August on charges of defrauding the State Bank of India (SBI) of ₹2,929 crore.

According to SBI's complaint, the company owed over ₹40,000 crore to various lenders; the public sector bank alone incurred a loss of ₹2,929 crore, based on 2018 figures.

This complaint now forms part of the FIR.

The CBI has registered a case against Ambani and 'RCom' on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and criminal breach of trust.

A spokesperson for the investigative agency stated in a statement last August, "It is alleged that the accused entered into a criminal conspiracy and provided false information to secure the sanction of credit facilities from SBI in favor of Reliance Communications Limited."

Ambani's spokesperson said, "Anil Ambani denies all allegations and will defend himself."

According to sources, the agency also conducted a search at Ambani's residence, 'Sea Wind', located in Cuffe Parade, Mumbai.

According to Ambani's spokesperson, the complaint filed by SBI pertains to matters dating back over 10 years.

In a statement, the spokesperson noted that Ambani was a non-executive director of the company at the time and had no involvement in its day-to-day management.

The statement added, "This matter has been pending before various judicial forums—including the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the Supreme Court—for the past six years."

The statement further noted that Anil Ambani has duly challenged SBI's declaration before the appropriate judicial forum.