Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday demanded the arrest of Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani following allegations of bribery and fraud linked to a criminal indictment unsealed by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
The indictment charges Adani and other prominent Indian executives in connection with an alleged multi-billion-dollar fraud and bribery scheme.
During a press conference, Rahul Gandhi stated, “It is now pretty clear and established in America that Adani has broken both American law and Indian law. He is being indicted in the United States, and I am wondering why Adani is still running around a free man in this country.”
Gandhi criticized the lack of an investigation into Adani’s alleged involvement in a ₹2000 crore scam and other possible offenses.
He emphasized that the investigation should begin with Adani’s arrest to make the process credible. “Unless he is arrested, it won’t be credible. So, begin it from there. Arrest Adani, interrogate him and then nab whoever is involved,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was shielding Adani.
Gandhi suggested that the PM’s connection with Adani prevented any action against him, asserting, “Adani has hijacked the country, and India is in Adani’s grip.”
Gandhi also took aim at SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, alleging that she had failed to investigate Adani’s activities and calling for her removal. He further stated that the investigation should not be limited to Adani alone, but should also encompass a larger network of corruption.
“This is not just about one individual; it’s an entire network,” he said, adding that young people in India were suffering due to the lack of job opportunities while individuals like Adani went unpunished for large-scale corruption.
The Leader of the Opposition also criticized the Prime Minister’s protection of Adani, claiming the BJP’s funding structure was heavily dependent on Adani’s support. He pointed out that while small-scale corruption had led to the jailing of Chief Ministers, Adani’s alleged ₹2000 crore scam had not resulted in any legal action.
“The Prime Minister is 100% protecting this individual,” Gandhi stated.
Gandhi called for the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the allegations and reiterated his demand for Adani’s arrest. He also highlighted the risks faced by retail investors, accusing Adani of lying to both American and Indian investors.
“When America is saying that he committed crimes, why are the CBI & SEBI silent here?” he questioned.
In response to these allegations, a spokesperson for the Adani Group denied the charges. The spokesperson reaffirmed that the group maintains the highest standards of governance and transparency.
The statement read, “The allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission against directors of Adani Green are baseless and denied,” emphasizing that the charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Adani Group assured its stakeholders that it would pursue all possible legal recourse.
