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Ashneer Grover and Madhuri Jain Grover Seek Delhi High Court Permission for US Travel Amid Ongoing Investigation

• ByStartupStory     |    May 18, 2024

Ashneer Grover, co-founder of BharatPe, and his wife, Madhuri Jain Grover, a former HR director at the payments firm, have moved the Delhi High Court seeking permission to travel to the United States for their children’s summer school. The request, made on May 16, has been met with opposition from the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police, which has summoned Madhuri Jain for questioning.

The court has adjourned the hearing to May 17 following EOW’s objections. The Grovers’ legal representative proposed that the couple would not travel simultaneously but in turns to mitigate concerns. According to the plan, Ashneer Grover would return to India by June 14, and Madhuri Jain Grover would depart the following day. The intended trip spans from May 26 to July 1.

The couple is currently restricted from leaving India due to a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them at the behest of the EOW, which is investigating allegations of financial misconduct. The accusations involve the siphoning of funds from BharatPe under the guise of providing recruitment services. EOW has indicated that the investigation is at a crucial stage, and the couple, particularly Madhuri Jain, has not been cooperative, further alleging she is the central figure in the purported scam.

During the hearing, Justice Subramonium Prasad suggested he might allow one parent to travel with the children. However, the EOW’s counsel strongly opposed Madhuri Jain’s travel, citing her critical role in the investigation. The EOW also argued that the couple poses a flight risk due to their substantial overseas properties.

Despite the serious allegations, the judge questioned the EOW’s failure to arrest the couple, remarking, “It looks like LOCs are opened just to recover amounts.” Giriraj Subramanium, representing the Grovers, refuted the claims, asserting the couple’s commitment to facing the investigation and noting that their golden visa issued by the United Arab Emirates had expired.

Ashneer and Madhuri Grover stand accused of orchestrating an Rs 81-crore fraud at BharatPe. The issuance of a Look Out Circular typically aims to prevent individuals with criminal records or those under investigation from leaving the country where the alleged crime occurred. Various Indian agencies, including the ED, CBI, DRI, Customs, and Income Tax Department, can request an LOC.

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between the need for investigation and the rights of individuals under scrutiny. The court’s decision will be closely watched as it balances these competing interests.

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