CBI raids Mumbai in ₹58 crore SBI fraud case against Avaya Industries
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday, 29 October 2026, conducted search operations across multiple locations in Mumbai in connection with an alleged ₹58.48 crore bank fraud involving Avaya Industries, a Mumbai-based company, and its directors. Incriminating documents relevant to the investigation were seized during the searches, according to an official statement.
What Triggered the CBI Action
The CBI registered the case based on a complaint filed by the State Bank of India (SBI), Mumbai, against Avaya Industries, its directors, and unknown public servants and private persons. According to the complaint, the accused allegedly obtained credit facilities from the bank through misrepresentation, causing a wrongful loss of ₹58.48 crore to the lender.
How the Fraud Was Allegedly Carried Out
The CBI's statement details a multi-layered scheme. The accused allegedly resorted to fictitious sales and inflated stock entries, suppression and non-recovery of export receivables, and diversion of funds through unsecured advances. Additionally, transactions were reportedly routed unauthorisedly through another bank, debtor balances were fabricated, and mortgaged property and hypothecated assets were allegedly sold off or misrepresented — all resulting in the wrongful loss to SBI.
Searches at Residential Premises
Search operations were carried out at several locations in Mumbai, including residential properties linked to the directors of Avaya Industries. The seized materials are currently being examined to establish the full extent of the alleged conspiracy, misappropriation, and diversion of funds, and to determine the roles of all individuals involved, the CBI said.
Separate ₹210 Crore Fraud Case Against Chandra Proteco
In a separate development, the CBI also registered a case based on a complaint by Indian Bank's Stressed Asset Management Branch against Chandra Proteco Limited and its officials in an alleged ₹210 crore fraud spanning five banks. The agency booked the company's directors — Ranjeet Gupta, Anilesh Gupta, and Aparna Gupta — along with unknown public servants and private persons, for offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This case broadens the scope of the CBI's ongoing action against alleged corporate banking fraud in the country.
Broader Context
These actions come as Indian investigative agencies have intensified scrutiny of non-performing assets (NPAs) and bank fraud cases involving mid-sized companies. The SBI, as India's largest public-sector lender, has been among the most active complainants in fraud referrals to the CBI in recent years. Notably, both cases — involving SBI and Indian Bank — reflect a pattern of alleged fund diversion through complex financial instruments, a recurring methodology in such investigations. The outcome of the document examination is expected to shape the next phase of arrests and charge-sheeting.