On Thursday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanded the immediate arrest of industrialist Gautam Adani after the billionaire was involved in a major bribery and fraud scheme in the United States. Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of protecting Adani, following allegations by US prosecutors, who allege Adani and his associates paid $250 million in bribes to Indian officials.
“The question is: why is Adani out of jail? The answer is: Because Narendra Modi is under the control of Adani,” Rahul Gandhi claimed at the press conference on Thursday.
'Adani should be arrested immediately': Rahul Gandhi
At a press conference in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the charges against Adani clearly showed the billionaire's involvement in violating both Indian and US laws. He criticized the Indian government and stated that Adani's close relationship with Prime Minister Modi allowed him to avoid responsibility.
“We demand that Adani be arrested immediately,” Gandhi declared, claiming that Modi's protection of Adani would prevent any legal action. Gandhi also accused the government of not taking the allegations seriously, noting that Adani's connection with Modi ensured his safety in India.
'Modi protects Adani': Rahul Gandhi
In his remarks, Rahul Gandhi Gandhi also targeted Prime Minister Modi's famous slogan, “Ek hain to safe hain” (When we are together, we are safe), which he proposed applying to the Modi-Adani relationship.
“Narendra Modi gave the slogan: When we are united, we are safe. When Narendra Modi and Adani are together in India, they are safe. Nothing can be done with Adani in India. Here the Prime Minister is sent to jail and Adani walks free after committing a scam ₹2,000 crore. Because Narendra Modi protects them. The American investigation shows that Adani committed crimes in India and America. But no action is being taken against Adani in India,” claimed Rahul Gandhi.
'Adani will not be arrested or investigated in India': Rahul Gandhi
LoP Rahul Gandhi subsequently demanded a thorough probe into the allegations, including the removal of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chairman Madhabi Puri Buch, whom he described as complicit and 'protector' in Adani's actions.
Rahul Gandhi also renewed Congress's call for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) inquiry into the matter.
“Adani committed a scam ₹2000 crores. I can guarantee that Adani will not be arrested or investigated in India,” Gandhi said, suggesting that the Modi government's influence over Adani would shield him from legal action in the country.
“I will raise this issue in Lok Sabha,” Rahul Gandhi declared. The Congress leader's comments come just days before the winter session of Parliament, where Gandhi plans to raise the issue.
US prosecutors accuse Adani of bribery scheme
Shares of Indian conglomerate Adani plunged on Thursday after industrial owner Gautam Adani was accused by US prosecutors of handing out more than $250 million in bribes for major contracts.
US prosecutors allege that Adani Group executives orchestrated a massive bribery scheme, involving significant sums of money, to influence Indian officials.
The charges against Adani are another blow to the company, which was rocked last year when a bombshell report from US investment firm Hindenburg Research alleged that the conglomerate had engaged in a “shameful stock manipulation and accounting fraud” over decades “.
Adani Group refutes allegations
In an official statement, Adani Group said: “The allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission against the directors of Adani Green are baseless and denied.”
“As the U.S. Department of Justice itself has stated, 'the allegations in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All appropriate legal action will be pursued.'” the statement added to.
