Anil Ambani File Image | Photo credit: Reuters
The CBI on Thursday (March 19, 2026) questioned industrialist Anil Ambani for nearly eight hours in connection with the ₹2,929 crore cheating case registered against him and Reliance Communications Ltd., based on a complaint by the State Bank of India, officials said.
The industrialist, who is facing several probes in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases, was summoned again for questioning on Friday (March 20, 2026), they said.
Mr. Ambani arrived at the agency’s headquarters around 10:15 a.m. and was taken to the investigation team after completing the formalities. He left the agency’s headquarters around 6:15 p.m
“In connection with the case registered by the CBI on 21 August 2025 against Reliance Communications Limited in the ₹2929.05 crore bank fraud case in which Reliance Communications Limited, Anil D. Ambani and unknown others, including unknown government employees, are accused, the CBI has summoned Anil D. Ambani for questioning at the CBI office in Delhi today.
“The accused Anil D. Ambani appeared before the investigator today and is being interrogated for about 8 hours. The accused has been ordered to appear before the investigator tomorrow for further questioning,” the spokeswoman said.
According to the statement, the agency asked Mr. Ambani about the company’s decision-making process. Several emails exchanged between him and managers also surfaced.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also sought his answers on alleged misappropriation of funds, embezzlement and other irregularities in loan funds extended to the company by the bank, they said.
“Commitment to Extend Full Cooperation”
A spokesman for the businessman said in a statement that Mr. Ambani would appear before the CBI in Delhi on March 19 and 20 “for investigation in connection with an FIR registered on the basis of a complaint filed by the State Bank of India.” The statement also read: “The performance supports Mr. Ambani’s commitment to extend full cooperation in this matter with all agencies.”
According to SBI’s complaint, which is now part of the FIR, the company had outstanding debt of over ₹40,000 crore to various lenders, with the public sector bank alone facing a loss of ₹2,929 crore, as per 2018 data.
The CBI has arrested Mr. Ambani and RCom for allegedly committing the offenses of conspiracy, cheating and criminal breach of trust.
“The accused persons are alleged to have furnished false information and obtained approved credit facilities from SBI in favor of Reliance Communication Ltd. in the criminal conspiracy,” a CBI spokesperson said in a statement in August last year.
A spokesman for Mr. Ambani responded: “Anil D. Ambani denies all allegations and allegations and will defend himself properly.” According to sources, the agency also searched Mr Ambani’s ‘Sea Wind’ residence in Cuffe Parade, Mumbai.
The complaint filed by the SBI relates to matters older than 10 years, according to Mr. Ambani’s spokesman.
At the time, Mr. Ambani was a non-executive director of the company, with no involvement in day-to-day management, his spokesman said at the time.
“The matter remains pending before the NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) and other judicial forums, including the Supreme Court, for the last six years,” it said.
Anil Ambani duly challenged the SBI’s declaration at the appropriate judicial forum, he said.
Published – 19 March 2026 23:26 IST
