In an unprecedented move, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has withheld payouts amounting to ₹78 crore (approximately $9.4 million USD) following a police complaint regarding unauthorized equity derivative trades. This decision impacts over 3,000 clients across 160 brokers. Of the total amount, ₹72 crore is held by NSE Clearing, while ₹6 crore is withheld by the Bombay Stock Exchange's Indian Clearing Corporation. The complaint, which alleges unlawful trading activity, pertains to Nifty options trades executed on May 5, coinciding with the expiration of weekly contracts. The NSE acted on May 6, issuing a circular to halt all fraudulent transactions linked to the complainant's trading account until further notice. The exchange has not disclosed the identities of the involved broker and client. The release of the withheld funds is contingent upon instructions from police authorities, leaving affected clients in a state of uncertainty as they await resolution.