Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday demanded the immediate arrest of industrialist Gautam Adani after the billionaire was implicated in a major bribery and fraud scheme in the United States. Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of shielding Adani following allegations by US prosecutors alleging that 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 in control of Adani,” Rahul Gandhi alleged at a press conference on Thursday.
‘Adani should be arrested immediately’: Rahul Gandhi
During the press conference in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the charges against Adani clearly reveal the billionaire’s involvement in breaking both Indian and US laws. He criticized the Indian government, saying that Adani’s close relationship with Prime Minister Modi is allowing him to avoid accountability.
“We demand that Adani be arrested immediately,” Gandhi said. He said that Modi’s protection to Adani will not lead to any legal action. Gandhi also accused the government of not taking the allegations seriously, noting that Adani’s ties with Modi ensured his security within India.
‘Modi is protecting Adani’: Rahul Gandhi
In his remarks, Rahul Gandhi also took aim at Prime Minister Modi’s famous slogan, “Ek hain toh surakshit hain” (If we are together, we are safe), which he intended to apply to the relationship between Modi and Adani. suggested.
“Narendra Modi gave the slogan: If we are united, we are safe. India is safe if Narendra Modi and Adani are together. Nothing can be done to Adani in India. Here the Chief Minister has been sent to jail and is roaming free after committing Adani scam. 2,000 crores. Because Narendra Modi is protecting them. The American investigation says that Adani has committed crimes in India and America. But no action is being taken against Adani in India,” Rahul Gandhi alleged.
‘Adani will not be arrested or investigated in India’: Rahul Gandhi
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations, including the removal of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Madhabi Puri Buch, whom he described as an accomplice and ‘protector’ of Adani’s actions.
Rahul Gandhi also reiterated Congress’s demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation into the matter.
“Adani has committed a scam 2000 crores. I can guarantee that Adani will not be arrested or investigated in India,” Gandhi said, adding that the influence of the Modi government on Adani will protect him from any legal action within the country.
Rahul Gandhi said, ‘I will raise this issue in the Lok Sabha.’ The Congress leader’s comments come days ahead of the winter session of Parliament, where Gandhi intends to raise the issue.
US prosecutors accuse Adani of bribery scheme
Shares of Indian conglomerate Adani fell on Thursday after US prosecutors accused it of paying more than $250 million in bribes for key contracts.
US prosecutors allege that Adani Group executives organized a massive bribery scheme involving substantial sums of money to influence Indian officials.
The charges against Adani are another blow to the company, which was dealt a blow last year when a blistering report by US investment firm Hindenburg Research claimed the group engaged in a “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades”. Was.
Adani Group denies the 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 refuted.”
“As the U.S. Department of Justice itself has stated, “the charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” the statement said. Every possible legal recourse will be taken.”
