NSE Warns Investors against Trade Mitra, MarketX Telegram Channel Offering Illegal Dabba Trading Services
Moneylife Digital Team 30 June 2026
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has cautioned investors against dealing with an unregistered entity operating under the name Trade Mitra and a person identified as 'Vihan', alleging that they are luring investors with promises of assured returns, stock market tips, account handling services and illegal dabba trading. The Exchange has also lodged a police complaint in the matter. 
 
According to the NSE, the individual claiming to be associated with Trade Mitra is operating through mobile number 7096478505, a Telegram channel called 'MarketX – Dabba Trading'  having link https://t.me/dabbatradingmx  and website having link https://thenkblife.life/. The Exchange says the entity is offering securities market tips, guaranteed returns on stock market investments and account management services, all of which are prohibited under securities laws. 
 
The Exchange clarified that neither the individual nor the entity is registered as an NSE trading member or an authorised person of any registered member. Investors have been advised to verify the credentials of brokers and authorised persons using the Know/Locate Your Stock Broker facility available on the NSE website before dealing with any market intermediary. 
 
NSE has urged investors not to subscribe to any investment schemes or products promising assured returns or facilitating illegal trading activities. It reiterated that participation in dabba trading platforms is entirely at the investor's own risk and such platforms are neither recognised nor endorsed by the exchange. 
 
The exchange also highlighted the stringent legal consequences for those involved in such activities. Under Section 23 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (SCRA), violations of key provisions of the Act can attract imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to Rs25 crore or both. These offences are cognisable under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, enabling investigation by state law enforcement agencies. Additionally, dabba trading may attract penal provisions under Sections 316, 318 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. 
 
NSE further warned that investors who choose to participate in such prohibited schemes will not be able to access the Exchange's investor protection mechanisms in the event of disputes. These include the Exchange Dispute Resolution Mechanism and the Investor Grievance Redressal Mechanism administered by the exchange. 
 
The Exchange advised investors to exercise caution and avoid dealing with unregistered entities or individuals claiming to offer guaranteed profits or unauthorised trading services. It also encouraged investors to refer to the consolidated investor advisories available on the NSE website before making investment decisions.
 
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