The ED states that a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) has been submitted in connection with an ESOP scam estimated at approximately ₹179.54 crore.
Among those accused is former Religare Enterprises Executive Chairperson Rashmi Saluja.
The ED claims that Rashmi Saluja, former President and General Counsel Nishant Singhal, former Group CFO Nitin Aggarwal, Vaibhav Gawli, and Pratap Venugopal engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct the Burman family from assuming control of Religare Enterprises.
It is alleged by the agency that Vaibhav Gawli was offered ₹2 lakh in cash and ₹1.20 lakh for the purchase of 500 shares of REL.
After acquiring the shares, he reportedly lodged a complaint at the Matunga Police Station in Mumbai as a public shareholder of the firm.
The ED contends that this complaint was an attempt to hinder the Burman family’s takeover of Religare Enterprises.
Moreover, the agency alleges that the former officials of the company aimed to maintain control and continue receiving various financial perks, including ESOPs.
The court noted that the evidence on record, witness testimonies, and the ED’s complaint establish a prima facie case of money laundering.
It indicated that there are adequate grounds to pursue action against the accused under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The Special Court has summoned all five accused and instructed them to appear before the court on June 11, 2026.
First Published: Jun 3, 2026 11:20 AM IST
