Trader logo

Manu Manek: The Kingpin of Indian Stock Market

We found out about a clever stock broker who used to controlled the market before Harshad Mehta. That person was called Manu Manek, also known as "Black Cobra", the leader of bear cartel in 1980's.

By Damshya WritterPublished 3 years ago 3 min read

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, two names dominated the financial world in India: Manu Manek and Harshad Mehta. Both were stockbrokers who rose to fame and fortune through their audacious and controversial dealings in the stock market. However, their paths soon crossed, leading to a bitter rivalry that shook the country's financial system.

Manu Manek - The Maverick Stockbroker

Manu Manek was a charismatic and striking figure who made a name and fame in the stock market through his daring trades and cunning financial strategies. He was known for his quick wit, sharp intellect, and uncanny ability to sense market trends before anyone else. With his exceptional financial acumen, Manu Manek quickly rose to the top of the stock market world, amassing a vast fortune in a short period.

Through his expertise and analysis, Manek quickly rose to prominence in the market and became known as a market operator who manipulated pricing for his benefit.

His dominance in the market earned him the nickname "black cobra." He controlled the Bombay Stock Exchange and had a firm grip on listed corporations, requiring approval from him for any corporation seeking to nominate a director or distribute dividends. He also established a network of brokers who carried out his instructions and influenced the exchange's authorities, who favoured him when it came to paying debts.

Manu Mundra was a powerful and influential figure in the financial world, but many people credited his success to his ability to read the markets. Despite his controversial methods.

Harshad Mehta - The King of the Stock Market

Harshad Mehta was a stockbroker and securities trader in India during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He rose to fame for his role in the securities scam of 1992, which was one of the largest financial scandals in India's history.

Mehta started his career as a stockbroker and soon became a prominent figure in the Indian stock market. He was known for his aggressive and innovative trading strategies, which made him one of the wealthiest individuals in the country. However, his success was not without controversy, as he was accused of using illegal means such as fraud and forgery to manipulate the market.

The securities scam of 1992 was the result of Mehta's illegal activities, which included taking advantage of loopholes in the banking system to siphon off funds from banks and using them to buy shares. The scam was exposed, and Mehta was arrested and charged with various financial crimes.

Despite his fall from grace, Harshad Mehta's impact on the Indian financial world is still felt today. He is often referred to as the "Big Bull" of the stock market and is remembered as one of the most prominent and controversial figures in the history of Indian finance.

The securities scam of 1992 led to stricter regulations and reforms in the Indian financial system.

The Rivalry Begins

The rivalry between Manu Manek and Harshad Mehta began when both realized they were competing for the same financial opportunities. Manu Manek saw Harshad Mehta as a threat to his financial dominance, while Harshad Mehta viewed Manu Manek as a rival who needed to be taken down. The competition between the two soon escalated, leading to confrontations and financial battles.

The Fall from Grace

Despite their wealth and power, Manu Manek and Harshad Mehta eventually fell from grace. Harshad Mehta was arrested and charged with several financial crimes. The ensuing scandal shook the country's financial system, leading to a crackdown on financial fraud and corruption.

Conclusion

The rise and fall of Manu Manek and Harshad Mehta serve as a cautionary tale of what can happen when ambition, greed, and a thirst for power drive individuals to engage in unethical and illegal financial practices. The story of their rivalry is a reminder that financial success should not come at the cost of integrity and ethical values. Despite their mistakes, both Manu Manek and Harshad Mehta will always be remembered as two of the most influential and powerful figures in the history of the Indian financial world.

history

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.