The Scam By Debashis Basu & Sucheta Dalal [English Novel]

The Scam by Debashis Basu and Sucheta Dalal is a compelling nonfiction account of some of the most infamous financial scandals in Indian stock-market history, including the Harshad Mehta scam of 1992 and the Ketan Parekh scam of the early 2000s. Drawing on their deep experience as financial journalists—Dalal famously broke the Harshad Mehta story in The Times of India—the authors weave together detailed reporting, insider interviews, and analysis to explain how systemic loopholes, collusion between brokers and banks, and weak oversight allowed these scams to unfold. The narrative goes beyond one individual to examine the broader impact on regulators, investors, and India’s financial system, answering questions like who benefited, who suffered losses, and why such frauds were able to happen. Clear explanations help readers understand complex financial and regulatory mechanisms, making The Scam a valuable read for anyone interested in true financial crime, market dynamics, and how transparency and accountability influence trust in economic institutions.