SEBI Directs Finfluencer Ravindra Balu Bharti to Repay ₹12 Crore Following Fraudulent Practices : Report

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken decisive action against a financial influencer (finfluencer), ordering the repayment of unlawfully obtained gains exceeding ₹12 crore. This move reflects SEBI’s commitment to safeguarding investor interests and maintaining market integrity in the face of growing concerns about fraudulent activities within the securities market.

The individual in question, identified as Ravindra Balu Bharti, has been directed by SEBI to deposit the ₹12 crore into an interest-bearing Escrow Account held in a nationalized bank. This step ensures that the funds remain under SEBI’s jurisdiction, preventing their release without explicit approval from the regulatory body.

Ravindra Balu Bharti is the founder of Ravindra Bharti Education Institute Pvt. Ltd. (RBEIPL), established in 2016 alongside his wife, Shubhangi Bharti. RBEIPL is involved in educational activities related to stock market trading, operating through the “Bharti Share Market” website.

SEBI’s action extends beyond Ravindra Balu Bharti alone, encompassing RBEIPL and several other individuals associated with the entity. The regulator has barred them from providing investment advisory services or engaging in securities trading activities until further notice.

The investigation by SEBI revealed a troubling pattern of misconduct, where investors were misled with promises of exceptionally high returns, sometimes reaching up to 1000 per cent. Investors who availed of these services entered into agreements detailing fees, projected returns, and profit-sharing arrangements.

SEBI emphasized the importance of disclosure and transparency in maintaining market integrity, especially in India’s rapidly growing capital market. Upholding investor protection is crucial for sustaining confidence in the market and fostering responsible investment practices.

Sources By Agencies