In 1992, Mehta began to manipulate the stock market by using a complex web of companies, banks, and stockbrokers to artificially inflate stock prices. He would use his network of brokers to buy and sell stocks, creating a false sense of demand and driving up prices. He would then use these inflated prices to secure loans from banks, using the stocks as collateral.

The investigation revealed that Mehta had used his network of brokers and companies to manipulate the stock market, and that he had made huge profits at the expense of innocent investors. The investigation also revealed that Mehta had had links with several high-ranking officials, including politicians and bureaucrats, who had helped him to carry out the scam.

The scam was massive, with estimates suggesting that Mehta had manipulated stocks worth over ₹4,500 crores (approximately $650 million USD). The scam involved over 100 stocks, including some of India’s biggest companies, such as Reliance Industries, Larsen & Toubro, and Zee Television.

The 1992 Harshad Mehta scam had a significant impact on the Indian economy. The scam led to a sharp decline in investor confidence, and the stock market crashed, wiping out millions of dollars in investor wealth. The scam also led to a re-evaluation of India’s financial regulations, with the government and regulatory bodies realizing the need for stricter controls and oversight.

The scam was not limited to just stock manipulation. Mehta had also been involved in a number of other financial irregularities, including money laundering and forgery. He had used his network of companies and bank accounts to launder money and hide his ill-gotten gains.

The 1992 Harshad Mehta Scam: A Financial Earthquake that Shook India**

The scam came to light in April 1992, when a series of investigations by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) uncovered Mehta’s involvement in the scam. Mehta was arrested on April 20, 1992, and was subsequently charged with various crimes, including cheating, forgery, and conspiracy.

The 1992 Harshad Mehta scam led to a number of significant changes in India’s financial regulations. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was empowered with greater regulatory powers, and the Indian government introduced new laws and regulations to prevent similar scams in the future.