Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his demand for the arrest of industrialist Gautam Adani following allegations of corruption in the United States. Addressing reporters outside Parliament on Wednesday, Gandhi criticized the government for shielding Adani, arguing that when “hundreds of people are arrested on trivial charges” in India, someone facing serious allegations abroad should not go unpunished.

The controversy stems from an indictment in the US involving charges of securities fraud, reportedly linked to Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani. However, the Adani Group has strongly denied any wrongdoing, stating that neither Gautam Adani nor Sagar Adani has been charged with violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Instead, they face allegations carrying potential monetary penalties.

When questioned about the Adani Group’s denial, Gandhi dismissed the rebuttal. “You think the Adanis will accept the charges? Which world are you living in? He has to be arrested. The government is clearly protecting him,” the Congress leader stated emphatically.

This marks Gandhi’s latest attack on Adani, whom he has frequently accused of benefiting from crony capitalism under the Modi government. “If someone is indicted for thousands of crores abroad, why is he not in jail here?” Gandhi asked, highlighting what he described as a glaring double standard in the administration of justice.

Meanwhile, senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, representing Adani, countered the allegations, emphasizing the lack of specific evidence in the US indictment. He argued that the claims of bribery are vague, with no clarity on “who gave what bribe to whom.”

As the political tussle escalates, the case is expected to remain a contentious issue, with the Opposition likely to press further on alleged links between the government and the embattled businessman.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his demand for the arrest of industrialist Gautam Adani following allegations of corruption in the United States. Addressing reporters outside Parliament on Wednesday, Gandhi criticized the government for shielding Adani, arguing that when “hundreds of people are arrested on trivial charges” in India, someone facing serious allegations abroad should not go unpunished.

The controversy stems from an indictment in the US involving charges of securities fraud, reportedly linked to Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani. However, the Adani Group has strongly denied any wrongdoing, stating that neither Gautam Adani nor Sagar Adani has been charged with violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Instead, they face allegations carrying potential monetary penalties.

When questioned about the Adani Group’s denial, Gandhi dismissed the rebuttal. “You think the Adanis will accept the charges? Which world are you living in? He has to be arrested. The government is clearly protecting him,” the Congress leader stated emphatically.

This marks Gandhi’s latest attack on Adani, whom he has frequently accused of benefiting from crony capitalism under the Modi government. “If someone is indicted for thousands of crores abroad, why is he not in jail here?” Gandhi asked, highlighting what he described as a glaring double standard in the administration of justice.

Meanwhile, senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, representing Adani, countered the allegations, emphasizing the lack of specific evidence in the US indictment. He argued that the claims of bribery are vague, with no clarity on “who gave what bribe to whom.”

As the political tussle escalates, the case is expected to remain a contentious issue, with the Opposition likely to press further on alleged links between the government and the embattled businessman.