Sethia — who was 37 year old in 1981 — turned ₹10 million profitable business to ₹6 billion business in five years (1977-1983). But as soon as his business started souring, it became impossible to service the huge pile of debt. At one point , loans from banks in Nigeria accounted for 40% of his business.
He fled from the UK to Spain and later to the US and other western countries to avail the money against colossal debt pile.
A hearing in London Court ordered to dissolve the Esal Commodities following a rescue plan approved by the Reserve Bank of India and the creditors in 1983. Now, at the age of 72, Sethia has been acquitted of the charges.