Article on the big bull of India
The big bull of India
Title: Harshad Mehta: The Big Bull of India's Stock Market
Introduction:
Harshad Mehta, popularly known as the "Big Bull," was a prominent figure in India's stock market during the 1980s and early 1990s. He was known for his ingenious tactics and his involvement in one of India's biggest financial scandals. This article delves into the life and times of Harshad Mehta, shedding light on his rise to fame, his controversial methods, and the legacy he left behind.
Early Life and Entry into the Stock Market:
Harshad Mehta was born on July 29, 1954, in a middle-class Gujarati family in Mumbai, India. He started his career as a small-time broker in the late 1970s and slowly made his mark in the stock market. Mehta's charm and confidence earned him the reputation of being a financial wizard.
The Rise of the Big Bull:
Mehta's defining moment came during the bull run of the Indian stock market in the late 1980s. He became known as the "Big Bull" for his ability to manipulate stock prices and create massive surges in the market. Mehta was famous for his method of using ready forward (RF) deals to manipulate the stock market.
RF deals involved borrowing funds against government securities and using the money to buy stocks, thereby driving up their prices. Mehta's tactics resulted in exponential gains and made him a symbol of wealth and power.
The Scandal and Aftermath:
Harshad Mehta's reign as the Big Bull came crashing down with the exposure of a massive financial scandal in 1992. It was discovered that Mehta had orchestrated a fraud of staggering proportions, involving illegal diversion of funds from banks to the stock market.
The scam, popularly known as the Harshad Mehta scam or the securities scam, shook the Indian financial system. Mehta's manipulations had caused a temporary but significant disruption in the stock market, leading to a loss of investor confidence.
Legal Battle and Legacy:
Following the exposure of the scam, Harshad Mehta faced numerous legal battles and spent years fighting charges related to fraud and manipulation. He was arrested and spent time in prison before his untimely death on December 31, 2001.
Despite the scandal and legal troubles, Mehta's legacy as the Big Bull endures. He was a symbol of the excesses and pitfalls of the stock market during that era. The Harshad Mehta scam brought about significant changes in India's financial regulations and led to reforms in the securities market.
Lessons Learned:
The rise and fall of Harshad Mehta offer valuable lessons for investors, regulators, and the financial industry as a whole. The scandal highlighted the importance of transparency, effective regulation, and the need for vigilant oversight in the stock market. It served as a wake-up call, leading to the strengthening of regulatory frameworks to protect investors and maintain market integrity.
Conclusion:
Harshad Mehta, the Big Bull of India's stock market, was a charismatic and controversial figure who left an indelible mark on the financial history of the country. While his manipulative practices tarnished his legacy, the Harshad Mehta scam remains a significant chapter in India's financial journey, prompting reforms and raising awareness about the risks and responsibilities associated with the stock market.
Comments
Post a Comment