Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has filed a complaint with the Lokpal against SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband. In the complaint, they have been accused of corruption and involvement in stock manipulation. Mahua Moitra has appealed to the Lokpal to investigate the matter. The body monitoring corruption cases in the country has registered Mahua Moitra’s electronic complaint and has responded that the matter is being investigated.
Mahua Moitra wrote on her ex account, “My complaint has been filed with the Lokpal against Madhavi Puri-Buch. The Lokpal should send it to the CBI or ED for preliminary investigation and then full FIR investigation within 30 days. She further said, “Everyone involved should be summoned and every link should be investigated.” Mahua Moitra said in her complaint, “Madhabi Puri Buch was appointed as a full-time member of SEBI from April 2017 to October 2021 and then as the Chairman of SEBI in March 2022. Looking at the revelations happening almost every day, it seems that Buch is a serial offender who has done such things which are completely wrong as a public servant and it threatens the national interests of India.”
What are the allegations against SEBI chief?
The complaint was filed on September 11. Earlier, US-based Hindenburg Research had claimed that the SEBI chief and her husband had invested in offshore funds that are linked to Adani Group companies. This happened at a time when SEBI was investigating complaints of stock manipulation against the Adani Group. The SEBI chief is accused of conflict of interest and corruption for not recusing himself from dealing with complaints against the Adani Group.
Adani was also dragged
Citing the Prevention of Corruption Act, Mahua Moitra said that under Section 21 of this Act, Madhavi Buch, Dhawal Buch (her husband), Gautam Adani, Vinod Adani, Cyril Shroff are held accountable. She further claimed that “SEBI’s board members should also be held accountable.” She said, “The Indian stock market now has about 10 crore citizens who are direct and/or indirect investors. Apart from this, foreign investors have also raised deep concerns over India’s stock markets and its credibility. Therefore, this is a serious matter of national interest and should therefore be investigated.”
SEBI chief has rejected the allegations
Earlier, the Congress has also questioned the integrity of SEBI in the last few weeks. On September 10, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tarnished SEBI to save his close friends. However, the SEBI chairman rejected the allegations.