EOW of Delhi Police registers FIR against BhartPe co-founder Ashneer Grover in fraud case

This development follows the highly publicized dispute between Grover and the company, which garnered attention as it unfolded, depicting the downfall of a reputed "start-up king" last year.

On Wednesday, an FIR (First Information Report) was lodged against Ashneer Grover, charging him with eight severe criminal offences. The FIR was registered following a criminal complaint filed by BharatPe in December, alleging that Grover misappropriated company funds to maintain an extravagant lifestyle.

Grover, who has recently launched a fantasy sports app called CrickPe, has not yet reacted to the accusations.

Earlier, he had denied any involvement in unlawful activities or misconduct and alleged that the accusations cropped from "personal hatred and low thinking”. "The only thing lavish about me is my dreams and ability to achieve them against all odds through hard work and enterprise," he had said.

As per the FIR, Ashneer Grover and his family members are accused of being involved in fraudulent activities and misappropriation of Rs 71.76 crore, reported NDTV.

The allegations further involve unauthorized payments amounting to Rs 7.6 crore made to fictitious consultants through 86 fabricated invoices, inflated and unjustified payments made through vendors associated with the accused individuals, and payment of GST penalties and input tax credit amounting to Rs 1.66 crore, it added.

"We welcome the registration of an FIR by the Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police in the Company’s complaint in relation to the criminal offences by Mr. Grover, his wife Madhuri Jain and other family members. For the last 15 months, the Company has been facing a vicious and malicious campaign run by Grover against the Company, the board and its employees," said a BharatPe spokesperson, reported Moneycontrol.

"The registration of the FIR is a step in the right direction which unearths various suspicious transactions made by the family for their personal pecunary gains. This FIR will now enable the Law enforcement agencies to investigate deeper into the criminality and bring the culprits to books. We have full faith in our country's judicial and law enforcement systems and are optimistic that this case will reach its logical conclusion. We will continue to extend all possible cooperation to the authorities," the statement added.