Adani News | Gautam Adani indicted in US Live Updates: Why is Adani roaming free, he should be arrested, says Rahul after US bribery charge

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the government is shielding Gautam Adani from investigation and arrest despite serious charges filed against him in the United States. “As Leader of Opposition, it is my responsibility to raise this issue. The prime minister is hundred percent protecting this person,” said Gandhi, referring to the recent indictment of Adani by US prosecutors over a $250 million bribery scheme.

Gandhi demanded immediate action, stating, “We demand a JPC, but we want that Adani should be arrested immediately. However, we know and want to show this to the country that Adani will not be arrested because the prime minister is his protector.” He accused the BJP government of enabling Adani’s alleged misconduct, declaring, “This person has obtained India’s assets through corruption. This person supports the BJP… these things are established.”

Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and former Adani Green Energy CEO Vneet Jaain were charged in the Eastern District of New York with offering $250 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure lucrative solar energy contracts. US prosecutors claimed these deals were misrepresented to raise over $3 billion from American financial institutions.

Gandhi highlighted the gravity of the accusations, saying, “It is now pretty clear and established in America that Mr Adani has broken both American law and Indian law. He has been indicted in the United States, and I am wondering why Mr Adani is still running around a free man in this country.” He also alleged the involvement of SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, stating, “Adani should be arrested immediately, and his ‘protector’ Madhabi Puri Buch should be probed.”

This controversy comes as Adani Group stocks faced significant losses, with a combined market valuation erosion of ₹2.45 lakh crore on Thursday. Key group companies like Adani Enterprises, Adani Green Energy, and Adani Ports saw declines ranging from 18% to 23%. Gandhi criticised the government’s inaction, saying, “We have been raising this again and again… it is a vindication of what we have been saying. The prime minister is protecting Mr Adani and the prime minister is involved in corruption with Mr Adani.”

The indictment has reignited scrutiny of the Adani Group, already under pressure from earlier allegations of stock manipulation by Hindenburg Research. While the US has issued arrest warrants for Gautam and Sagar Adani, the prospect of their extradition remains uncertain. Gandhi vowed to continue raising the issue, stating, “As Leader of Opposition, I will raise this issue in Lok Sabha; our demand for JPC stands.”