Rajesh Bothra Allegedly Conspired with Frost Infrastructure to Defraud PNB; Accused Wanted in Multiple Bank Fraud Cases.
New Delhi/Singapore – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on 13 November 2025 apprehended Rajesh Bothra, a Singapore-based accused, in connection with a Rs. 31.60 crore bank fraud case. The arrest was effected after intelligence regarding his arrival in India and tracking him to Hotel Andaz and Hyatt Residences, Aero City, New Delhi.
The CBI had registered the case (RC0062024A0032) following a complaint from Punjab National Bank (PNB). The complaint alleged that M/s Frost Infrastructure and Energy Pvt. Ltd. (M/s FIEL), its directors, unknown persons, and unidentified public officials conspired to defraud the bank by misusing the FLC limit, resulting in wrongful loss of approximately Rs. 31.60 crore.
Investigation revealed that Rajesh Bothra actively participated in the conspiracy with M/s FIEL and its directors. He facilitated the submission of bogus or forged Bills of Lading which falsely indicated sale-purchase transactions between M/s FIEL and entities named M/s FAREAST and M/s Gulf Distribution Ltd. These falsified documents were presented to the bank, allowing M/s FIEL to siphon funds from the Letter of Credit (LC) proceeds, resulting in significant financial loss to PNB.
Further inquiry confirmed that M/s FAREAST and M/s Gulf Distribution Ltd. were actually controlled and operated by Rajesh Bothra, with no real business transactions or movement of goods occurring as depicted in the forged bills. This highlighted the deliberate and planned nature of the financial deception orchestrated by the accused.
Rajesh Bothra is also named in several other CBI and Lucknow ACB cases where he has been chargesheeted along with other accused individuals. Despite these charges, he never participated in the investigations nor appeared during the trial proceedings. He remains wanted in multiple other bank fraud and economic offence cases, reflecting a pattern of evading legal processes.
The CBI stated that the arrest of Rajesh Bothra will ensure his presence for the ongoing investigation and subsequent trial proceedings, preventing him from escaping justice or leaving India to evade legal scrutiny. He is scheduled to be produced before the respective Trial Court on 14 November 2025.
Experts note that such banking frauds involving forged documents and complex conspiracies represent serious financial crimes. These cases often require extensive investigation, coordination, and tracking of accused persons across borders. The apprehension of Bothra is a critical step in ensuring that the investigation progresses effectively and that all involved parties are held accountable.
The CBI emphasized that this arrest not only strengthens the agency’s ability to pursue justice in long-pending financial fraud cases, but also serves as a clear message that attempts to manipulate banking systems and siphon funds will not be tolerated. Such actions safeguard the interests of investors, depositors, and financial institutions alike.
In conclusion, the arrest of Rajesh Bothra, a fugitive accused in multiple high-value fraud cases, underscores the CBI’s commitment to enforcing accountability and preventing financial misconduct. It highlights that cross-border fraudsters cannot evade legal action indefinitely and reinforces confidence in the Indian banking and judicial system.
