Sebi has taken significant action against a large-scale pump-and-dump operation, imposing a barring on 221 parties, including the alleged ringleader Hanif Shekh, from participating in the securities market for up to seven years. An imposing fine of Rs 10 crore was also levied. Between 2017 and 2020, this illegal scheme manipulated five stocks, artificially inflating their prices and attracting unwitting investors, ultimately resulting in illicit gains of Rs 143.79 crore.