The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has ordered prominent financial influencer Ravindra Bharti to repay ₹12 crore in what it terms ‘unlawful gains’. Bharti, known for his educational activities related to stock market trading through the Ravindra Bharti Education Institute Pvt. Ltd. (RBEIPL), has been directed to deposit the amount in an interest-bearing escrow account.
The move came as part of SEBI’s crackdown on finfluencers to protect investor interest and maintain market integrity. SEBI’s action extends beyond just Bharti, it covers RBEIPL and several individuals associated with the company. The regulator has prohibited them from providing financial advisory services or conducting securities trading activities until further notice.
According to SEBI’s interim order, the entities were allegedly promising exaggerated returns of up to 1000 per cent, which SEBI deemed an abuse of investors’ confidence.
The investigation found that investors were lured with promises of high returns ranging from 25 to 1000 per cent. Investors opting for these transactions had to sign an agreement detailing the accompanying terms and conditions including payment, projected returns and profit sharing percentage SEBI stressed the importance of investors are protected that market integrity depends on disclosure and transparency.
Ravindra Bharti, known for his YouTube channels “Bharti Share Market Marathi” and “Bharti Share Market – Hindi”, faces scrutiny for allegedly misleading investors through these platforms.
The SEBI order highlights the need to maintain market integrity in the Indian capital market and curb abuse of investor confidence. The order reflects SEBI’s commitment to protect the interests of investors in the face of growing financial influence in the capital markets. By taking decisive action against companies like RBEIPL and individuals like Ravindra Bharti, SEBI aims to maintain market integrity and protect investors from fraudulent practices.
