Rahul Gandhi demands arrest of tycoon Adani

Rahul Gandhi, India's top opposition leader, has called for the immediate arrest of billionaire tycoon Gautam Adani following allegations of bribery and fraud by US prosecutors.

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Rahul said the charges, which accuse Adani and his associates of paying $250 million in bribes to Indian officials, prove that the businessman has violated both Indian and US laws.

The Adani Group has dismissed the allegations as "baseless."

Rahul criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referencing the BJP's campaign slogan "Ek hain to safe hain" (Together, we are safe) used in recent state elections.

"As long as the prime minister and Adani are together, they are safe in India," he said, alleging that the Modi government is shielding Adani from accountability.

Rahul demanded Adani's immediate arrest and interrogation, along with the removal of Madhabi Puri Buch, the chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), claiming she is also complicit in protecting Adani.

"I guarantee that Adani will not be arrested or investigated in India because the Modi government is protecting him," he said, adding that the opposition will raise the issue in the winter session of Parliament beginning Monday.

He also reiterated the opposition's demand for a joint parliamentary committee investigation into what he called the Adani Group's "scam."