SBI Term Loan: RLLR: 8.15 | 7.25% - 8.45%
Canara Bank: RLLR: 8 | 7.15% - 10%
ICICI Bank: RLLR: -- | 8.5% - 9.65%
Punjab & Sind Bank: RLLR: 7.3 | 7.3% - 10.7%
Bank of Baroda: RLLR: 7.9 | 7.2% - 8.95%
Federal Bank: RLLR: -- | 8.75% - 10%
IndusInd Bank: RLLR: -- | 7.5% - 9.75%
Bank of Maharashtra: RLLR: 8.05 | 7.1% - 9.15%
Yes Bank: RLLR: -- | 7.4% - 10.54%
Karur Vysya Bank: RLLR: 8.8 | 8.5% - 10.65%

SEBI announces auction of properties from nine firms to recover investors' funds

#Taxation & Finance News#India
Last Updated : 3rd Jan, 2025
Synopsis

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has scheduled an online auction of 23 properties from nine firms, including Tower Infotech and Vibgyor Group, to recover funds collected from investors without regulatory compliance. The auction, slated for early February 2025, will feature properties located in West Bengal with a reserve price of INR 55 crore. Justice Sailendra Prasad Talukdar has been appointed to oversee the process, assisted by Adroit Technical Services. The properties, including those owned by GBC Industrial Corporation and others, were acquired using funds raised through non-compliant instruments like debentures.

SEBI has recently announced its plan to conduct an online auction involving 23 properties owned by nine companies, including Tower Infotech, Vibgyor Group, GBC Industrial Corporation, and Pincon Group. The list also includes properties associated with Kolkata Weir Industries Ltd (KWIL), Annex Infrastructure India, I-Core Group, Waris Group, and MPS Group. This auction aims to recover funds that were collected illegally from investors, marking a significant regulatory move to address financial misconduct.


The auction, set to take place online in early February 2025, is being carried out following the directives of the Calcutta High Court. SEBI disclosed that the properties up for auction comprise a mix of plots, apartments, and buildings situated in West Bengal. The combined reserve price for these assets has been set at INR 55 crore. The move is part of a broader initiative to recover funds from companies that raised money without adhering to established regulatory frameworks.

To ensure the auction proceeds smoothly and the interests of affected investors are safeguarded, Justice Sailendra Prasad Talukdar has been appointed as the sole committee member overseeing the liquidation process. His role includes monitoring the sale of these properties and ensuring that the proceeds are appropriately distributed to repay investors. Supporting this effort, SEBI has enlisted Adroit Technical Services to manage the technical and logistical aspects of the auction.

Of the 23 properties listed, a significant portion-seven properties each-belongs to Tower Infotech and Vibgyor Group. The remaining assets are distributed among the other seven companies: GBC Industrial Corporation, Waris Group, MPS Group, I-Core Group, Annex Infrastructure India, KWIL, and Pincon Group.

Bids for the auction are now being invited by SEBI on behalf of the liquidation committee. Prospective bidders have been encouraged to carry out independent checks regarding the title of the properties, potential encumbrances, ongoing litigations, and any claims associated with the assets before submitting their bids. This step underscores SEBI's commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in the auction process.

These firms were found to have engaged in financial practices that violated regulatory norms, leading to the current legal and regulatory actions. For instance, Vibgyor Allied Infrastructure raised INR 61.76 crore in 2009 through optionally fully convertible debentures without complying with regulatory mandates. Similarly, Tower Infotech generated nearly INR 46 crore between 2005 and 2010 through the issuance of non-convertible debentures and redeemable preference shares.

This auction is a testament to SEBI's intensified efforts to safeguard the interests of investors and bring accountability to entities that flout regulations. The move not only seeks to recover funds but also reinforces the importance of compliance within the financial ecosystem. By holding these companies accountable, SEBI sends a strong message about its resolve to address irregularities and ensure fair practices in India's financial markets.

SEBI's upcoming auction marks a significant step in addressing the financial irregularities of nine companies that violated regulatory norms. By liquidating their assets, SEBI aims to recover and return the funds to affected investors. This move underscores the regulator's commitment to ensuring accountability and protecting investors' interests, highlighting the importance of compliance in financial operations.

Have something to say? Post your comment