New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday questioned the US court’s decision to dismiss criminal charges against industrialist Gautam Adani and used the development to launch a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a post on X, Gandhi suggested that the court’s decision could have implications beyond the legal proceedings and alleged that the government had compromised India’s interests.
“There is much more to this than meets the eye. A compromised PM was forced to sell India’s interests. India is paying a huge price.”
Charges Dropped After US Request
Gandhi’s comments came after a US court on Monday brought an end to the criminal proceedings against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and their associate Vneet Jaain. The charges were withdrawn following a request from the US government, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York dismissed the criminal allegations linked to securities and wire fraud with prejudice.
The court also approved a settlement involving the Adanis and the US Securities and Exchange Commission. As part of the agreement, the Adanis will pay $18 million to the US government without admitting guilt. The settlement will formally close the separate civil securities fraud proceedings against them.
Adani Backs Judicial Process
Gautam Adani welcomed the court order and said that his confidence in the judicial system had remained intact throughout the proceedings.
“I welcome the US court’s decision with humility and deep respect for the judicial process. Throughout this challenging period, our faith in truth, fairness and the rule of law remained unwavering,” Adani wrote on X.
He also acknowledged the support extended to him and the group during what he described as a difficult period.
“My deepest gratitude to those who never lost faith in us, in the system and in India’s capacity for justice,” he wrote.
Adani further said that the Adani name would continue to be associated with the goal of “building for our nation.”
Case Originated In 2024
The US Justice Department had unsealed an indictment against the Adani group and its associates in 2024.
According to the allegations, the group was involved in a $265 million bribery arrangement intended to secure solar-energy contracts with Indian government entities. The accused were also alleged to have misled investors in the US and other countries by making false claims about the company’s anti-corruption measures.
The allegations remained unproven, and the accused were presumed innocent unless convicted.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission separately initiated civil proceedings against Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani.
Before Monday’s order, the Justice Department told the court in May that it had decided against taking the case forward. US Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter later said in July that the charges against the Adani group should not have been filed in the first place.
