On Thursday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanded the immediate arrest of billionaire Gautam Adani. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha questioned why Adani, who has been indicted in the United States, is still free in India.

Rahul Gandhi stated that it is now clear that Gautam Adani has broken both American and Indian laws. He referred to the US charges against Adani and asked, “Why is Mr. Adani still walking around a free man in this country?” He also called for an investigation into Madhabi Puri Buch, whom he described as Adani’s “protector.”

During a press conference, Gandhi said the recent developments supported his long-standing allegations against Adani. He claimed, “We have been raising this issue again and again. The Prime Minister is protecting Mr. Adani, and the Prime Minister is involved in corruption with Mr. Adani.”

Gandhi’s statement followed news that US prosecutors had charged Gautam Adani with involvement in a bribery scheme. The charges allege that Adani paid over $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials to secure solar energy contracts.

Why Has Gautam Adani Been Indicted in the US?

Gautam Adani and two executives from Adani Green Energy Limited, his nephew Sagar Adani and Vineet Jain, face charges for allegedly paying bribes to Indian officials. The money was reportedly used to secure solar energy contracts.

The charges include securities fraud and wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to commit these crimes. The US prosecutors say the Adanis and Jain misled investors by claiming the company followed anti-corruption practices while raising more than $3 billion for energy projects.

The five-count indictment, filed in US District Court in Brooklyn, also names several other individuals, including former executives from Azure Power Global and employees of a Canadian investment firm.

Details of the Charges Against Gautam Adani

According to the charges, Gautam Adani personally met with Indian officials to advance the bribery scheme. Co-conspirators also communicated via electronic messages and discussed the plan while in the US. They documented their actions extensively, even photographing documents related to the bribes.

The defendants allegedly used code names for each other, and Adani was referred to as “Mr. A” or “the big man.” Some members of the group tried to destroy evidence, including emails and PowerPoint presentations related to the bribery plan.

In addition to the criminal charges, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed civil complaints against Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and others in connection with the bribery scheme.

Rahul Gandhi’s call for Adani’s arrest and the investigation into his associates come at a time when the billionaire faces serious legal challenges in both the US and India.

Also read: