Sebi adds Sarath Associates in CA firms list to conduct forensic audit of listed cos

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Markets regulator Sebi has selected Hyderabad-based chartered accountant Sarath Associates for conducting forensic audits of financial
statements of listed firms to check frauds, taking total number of such entities to 10
The watchdog has already enrolled nine entities -- KPMG, Grant Thornton, Ernst Young Associates LLP, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP,
Chokshi Chokshi LLP, G D Apte Co CA, JLN US Co, Pipara Co LLP and T R Chadha Co LLP -- in October
Pursuant to completion of empanelment process, Sarath Associates has been enrolled to take up assignments relating to forensic audit,
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in notice dated December 31
In July this year, markets watchdog had invited applications from eligible CA firms "for empanelment to take up assignments relating to
forensic audit of financial statements of listed companies"
The move comes amid Sebi ordering forensic audit of a slew of companies
Of late, concerns have been raised over certain auditors for being negligent while examining books of listed firms with various
inconsistencies in financial statements being ignored.