Anil Ambani Summons: ED Issues Fresh Notice After Second No-Show

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has escalated its investigation into industrialist Anil Ambani, issuing fresh summons under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) after he failed to appear for questioning for a second time. Ambani had requested to record his statement virtually, but the agency rejected the plea and directed him to appear in person next Monday.

SFIO Steps In With New Investigation

In a parallel move, the government has ordered a fresh probe into multiple companies linked to the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG). This new round of investigation will now be led by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), the specialised investigative wing of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

The SFIO takeover follows earlier inquiries conducted by the ED, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and market regulator Sebi. The latest probe will examine whether the group violated corporate governance norms and whether funds were diverted between associated companies.

Why the New Probe Was Triggered

According to officials aware of the developments, the MCA received multiple alerts from auditors and financial institutions. These flagged discrepancies in financial statements of certain ADAG entities.
Banks, after ordering forensic audits following major loan defaults at Reliance Capital and Reliance Communications, also reported red flags to authorities.

Companies Under Tight Scrutiny

At least four companies are currently under detailed investigation:

• Reliance Infrastructure

• Reliance Communications

• Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd (RCFL)

• CLE Pvt Ltd

Officials indicated the scope could widen if evidence shows fund diversion or cross-company linkages.

The intensified action follows the ED’s recent move to attach properties worth nearly ₹7,500 crore, including:

• Land parcels in Navi Mumbai

• A premium property in Mumbai’s Pali Hill

• The Reliance Centre building in New Delhi

The agency is now expected to question key executives, auditors, and lenders as the probe deepens.