CBI Intensifies Probe with Lengthy Interrogation of Anil Ambani in RCom Loan Fraud Case
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday subjected industrialist Anil Ambani to an extensive questioning session lasting over seven hours. This interrogation is part of a high-profile case involving a staggering Rs 2,929 crore cheating complaint filed by the State Bank of India against Reliance Communications Ltd and Ambani personally.
Second Day of Questioning at CBI Headquarters
Ambani arrived at the CBI headquarters in New Delhi at approximately 10 am in his grey sedan, marking his second consecutive day of appearance before the agency. He departed the premises around 5:15 pm, according to official sources. The CBI spokesperson confirmed in a statement that the interrogation, which remained incomplete on March 19, 2026, necessitated his summons again on March 20 for further examination.
The focus of the questioning revolved around serious allegations of fund diversion, misappropriation, and other irregularities related to loan funds disbursed to Reliance Communications by the bank. During the session, Ambani was confronted with multiple documents as part of the investigative process.
Background of the Case and Additional Investigations
The CBI had initially booked Anil Ambani in August last year on charges of allegedly defrauding the State Bank of India to the tune of Rs 2,929 crore. According to the SBI complaint, which forms part of the FIR, Reliance Communications had an outstanding debt exceeding Rs 40,000 crore to various lenders, with the public sector bank alone reporting a loss of Rs 2,929 crore based on 2018 figures.
The agency has accused Ambani and RCom of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and criminal breach of trust, alleging that they misrepresented information to secure credit facilities from SBI.
In a related development, the CBI also examined Divy Dangi, a whole-time Director at Authum Investment & Infrastructure Ltd, on Friday. This pertains to a separate case involving an Rs 57.47 crore fraud linked to Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd, where the agency has booked the company and other individuals, including public servants, for allegedly defrauding the Bank of Maharashtra.
Ambani's Response and Legal Proceedings
Anil Ambani's spokesperson issued a statement on Thursday, emphasizing his commitment to full cooperation with all agencies. "The appearance is in furtherance of Mr Ambani's commitment to extend full cooperation in the matter with all agencies," the statement read. Previously, Ambani had denied all allegations and charges, asserting his intention to defend himself legally.
The spokesperson highlighted that the SBI complaint dates back over a decade, during which Ambani served as a non-executive director of Reliance Communications with no involvement in day-to-day management. The matter is currently sub-judice, pending before the National Company Law Tribunal and other judicial forums, including the Supreme Court, for the past six years. Ambani has formally challenged SBI's declaration before competent judicial authorities.
Sources indicate that the CBI conducted searches at Ambani's residence, 'Sea Wind', in Mumbai's Cuffe Parade area as part of the investigation. This case underscores the ongoing scrutiny of corporate governance and financial practices in India's industrial sector, with potential implications for banking regulations and fraud prevention measures.
