Search+Intelligent InvestingSynopsisCash is the item on a balance sheet that most investors accept without argument. Revenue can be recognised early, inventory can be overvalued, an optimistic forecast can prop up goodwill. But cash is cash. “Either it is in the account, or it is not” is the common perception. Can manipulation hit this accounting line too?In almost every big accounting fraud, the lie ends up in the same place: Cash.For instance, Rs. 5,294 crore of cash and bank balances that did not exist. This amount was sitting on the balance sheet of one of India’s largest companies. A later forensic investigation found that fake revenue, fake collections, and even forged bank records had helped create the illusion of cash.That is what makes cash deceptively comforting. Cash is usually the ETMarkets.com 28 mins readAug 07, 2026, 10:08:00 PM ISTGift this Story to your friendsFONT SIZEAbcSmallAbcMediumAbcLargeSAVEPRINTCOMMENTContinue reading with one of these options:Limited AccessFreeLogin to get access to some exclusive stories & personalised newslettersLogin NowUnlimited AccessStarting @ Rs120/monthGet access to exclusive stories, expert opinions & in-depth stock reportsSubscribe NowETUh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only.Worry not. You’re just a step away.What’s Included withETPrime Membership