Damocles Sword

The Securities and Exchange Board of India office is buzzing with activity. Officers are working even on weekends to complete all the pending work. The change in the pace of work at Sebi, according to informed sources, dates back to the meeting the Sebi chairman had with the finance minister in the CRB aftermath. While no one knows what conspired at the meeting, a small talk with any Sebi official brings out the sense of urgency. One official told a journalist friend that the reason he visits New Delhi very often is to 'run away' from his detractors in Mumbai who, he fears, may even throw him into the Arabian Sea. 'There is a fear in Delhi too. What if they hang me at Qutab Minar?' he quipped.