Fri Nov 22 03:37:12 UTC 2024: ## Adani, Indian Billionaire, Indicted in US on Bribery Charges

**NEW DELHI** – Gautam Adani, one of India’s wealthiest and most influential businessmen, has been indicted in the United States on charges of paying $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials. The indictment, unsealed Thursday, alleges that Adani and his executives engaged in bribery between 2020 and 2024. Adani and his group have denied all allegations.

Adani, a self-made industrialist who rose from humble beginnings, built his sprawling Adani Group into a conglomerate dominating ports, energy, and other sectors. His close ties to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been a subject of intense scrutiny for years, with accusations of crony capitalism and preferential treatment fueling political controversy.

The relationship between Adani and Modi, dating back to Modi’s time as Gujarat’s chief minister, has seen Adani’s business interests flourish alongside Modi’s political ascent. This has led to allegations of favouritism, with critics pointing to the rapid expansion of the Adani Group, often through contracts awarded by Modi’s government and its allies. Journalists investigating these connections have reported facing harassment and legal challenges.

The latest indictment comes amidst a series of controversies surrounding the Adani Group. A 2023 report by US financial firm Hindenburg Research accused the group of stock manipulation and massive debt, allegations the Adani Group dismissed. Further investigations revealed the use of offshore funds to purchase the group’s own shares.

While Indian authorities have faced criticism for their handling of previous allegations against the Adani Group, the US indictment marks a significant escalation. Rahul Gandhi, a leading opposition figure, has called for Adani’s immediate arrest. The charges against Adani and his executives are likely to intensify the already heated political debate surrounding his business empire and its relationship with the Indian government.

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