Justice Sanjeev Narula granted the Grovers permission to travel abroad after reviewing the submissions from both sides. The couple requested permission to visit the United Kingdom from September 28 to October 7, followed by a trip to Doha from October 17 to 20, where Ashneer Grover is scheduled to speak at events in both locations.
![[Bharatpe Fraud] Delhi HC Permits Former Founder Ashneer Grover, Wife Madhuri Jain to Travel to Doha and UK](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-2-1.jpeg?resize=613%2C527&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (17th Sept) permitted former BharatPe MD Ashneer Grover and his wife, Madhuri Jain Grover, to travel to Doha and the United Kingdom.
A Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued by the Economic Offence Wing (EOW), which the couple had already challenged.
Justice Sanjeev Narula granted them permission to travel after reviewing their petition.
Justice Sanjeev Narula granted the Grovers permission to travel abroad after reviewing the submissions from both sides. The couple requested permission to visit the United Kingdom from September 28 to October 7, followed by a trip to Doha from October 17 to 20, where Ashneer Grover is scheduled to speak at events in both locations.
Advocate Rishikesh Kumar, representing the Delhi Police as the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP), opposed their plea.
The Grovers had previously been granted permission to travel to the USA. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police is currently investigating a case involving an alleged fraud of Rs 81 crores.
Background
The BharatPe fraud case revolves around allegations of financial misconduct and irregularities within the fintech company. Ashneer Grover, the former Managing Director (MD) and co-founder, along with his wife, Madhuri Jain Grover, came under scrutiny after BharatPe initiated an internal investigation into their financial activities.
In early 2022, BharatPe began an internal audit to investigate potential financial irregularities. The focus was primarily on Ashneer Grover and his wife, Madhuri Jain Grover, who served as Head of Controls. The audit uncovered instances of alleged misuse of company funds for personal expenses, including luxury travel, lavish personal purchases, and payments to vendors linked to the couple.
Following the investigation, Ashneer Grover was placed on leave in January 2022, and Madhuri Jain Grover was subsequently terminated from her position in February 2022. The audit report was submitted to BharatPe’s board, leading to the Grovers being accused of fraud. The company sought legal recourse, and a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against the couple by the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police.
BharatPe alleges that the Grovers misappropriated funds to the tune of Rs 81 crores through fake invoices and by funneling money to companies associated with their family. The couple has denied the charges, with Ashneer Grover accusing the company’s board of acting out of vendetta.
As part of the investigation, the Delhi Police’s EOW placed restrictions on the couple’s travel, leading to legal proceedings. In September 2023, the Delhi High Court granted them permission to travel abroad, although their plea was initially opposed by the Special Public Prosecutor representing the Delhi Police.
The case remains ongoing, with the Grovers maintaining their innocence and challenging the allegations in court. Meanwhile, BharatPe continues to pursue legal action to recover the alleged misappropriated funds.
