Why Did Anil Ambani Skip ED Summons Again?
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Synopsis
In a striking development, Anil Ambani has once again failed to respond to the Enforcement Directorate's summons, raising eyebrows amid ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct related to the Jaipur–Reengus highway project. The situation unravels amidst serious allegations of fund misappropriation and a vast international hawala network.
Key Takeaways
- Anil Ambani has skipped the ED summons twice.
- The investigation is related to the Jaipur-Reengus highway project.
- Allegations include fund misappropriation and links to a hawala network.
- The ED is actively pursuing the matter under FEMA.
- Transparency and accountability in corporate governance are critical.
New Delhi, Nov 17 (NationPress) Chairman of the Reliance ADAG Group, Anil Ambani, has once again evaded the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) summons for questioning at the agency's Delhi headquarters on Monday. This marks the second instance he has missed an appearance in connection with a FEMA investigation tied to the Jaipur–Reengus highway project, as per insider sources.
Ambani also did not attend Friday's scheduled in-person questioning after the ED declined his request for a virtual session. He has since made another appeal to participate virtually on Monday.
According to ED insiders, the agency aims to document his statement under FEMA as part of an investigation that commenced following allegations that approximately Rs 40 crore from the 2010 highway project awarded to Reliance Infra was illicitly transferred abroad via shell companies based in Surat and funneled to Dubai.
Investigators suspect that this financial trail is linked to a broader international hawala network estimated to exceed Rs 600 crore.
Ambani had previously submitted a request via email for a virtual meeting with the ED on Friday in response to the prior summons. However, the investigative agency denied his request and opted to issue another summons for him to appear in person on November 17.
A spokesperson for the Reliance Group stated that “Mr Anil Ambani is ready to be available for the recording of his statement at any date and time convenient for the ED, through virtual appearance or recorded video.”
The spokesperson clarified, “Anil D. Ambani is not part of the Board of Reliance Infrastructure. He served as a non-executive director for about fifteen years, from April 2007 to March 2022, and was never involved in the day-to-day operations of the company.”
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has managed the highway for more than four years. This contract was strictly domestic, with no involvement of foreign exchange, the spokesperson added.
Previously, Ambani underwent a rigorous nine-hour interrogation regarding an alleged Rs 17,000-crore loan fraud case at the ED headquarters in August.
This development follows the ED's recent action of provisionally attaching over 132 acres of land valued at Rs 4,462.81 crore in the Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City located in Navi Mumbai under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The ED has previously attached 42 properties worth over Rs 3,083 crore related to the bank fraud cases of Reliance Communications Ltd. (RCOM), Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd., and Reliance Home Finance Ltd.
“The total asset attachment in these cases exceeds Rs 7,545 crore. The ED remains committed to pursuing financial crime perpetrators and ensuring the recovery of the proceeds of crime for rightful claimants,” an official statement indicated.
The ED initiated its investigation based on a CBI FIR filed under sections 120-B, 406, and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, as well as section 13(2) in conjunction with section 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1989, against RCOM, Anil Ambani, and others.
RCOM and its affiliated companies borrowed funds from both domestic and international lenders from 2010-2012, resulting in an outstanding amount of Rs 40,185 crore. Five banks have classified the Group's loan accounts as fraudulent, the statement noted.
Point of View
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by prominent business figures in India under scrutiny from regulatory agencies. The case of Anil Ambani underlines the critical nature of accountability in the financial sector and the importance of transparency in corporate governance. As the ED continues its investigation, it is essential for the public to remain informed about the developments in this case.
NationPress
17/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED summons for Anil Ambani?
The summons arose from an investigation into alleged violations under FEMA related to the Jaipur-Reengus highway project.
How many times has Anil Ambani skipped the ED summons?
Anil Ambani has skipped the ED summons twice as of now.
What is the significance of the Rs 600 crore hawala network?
The Rs 600 crore hawala network is believed to be linked to the alleged fund misappropriation related to the highway project.
What role did Reliance Infra play in this investigation?
Reliance Infra was awarded the highway project in question, which is central to the ongoing investigation.
What are the potential consequences for Anil Ambani?
Potential consequences could include legal action, financial penalties, and damage to his reputation and business interests.
