The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that it has received no request from US authorities about the arrest warrant issued against industrialist Gautam Adani over bribery charges. The statement comes amid reports of an indictment against Gautam Adani by the US Department of Justice.

The MEA stated that the government has no role in the legal proceedings involving Adani-linked entities in the United States. Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson said that it is a legal matter involving private firms and individuals and the US Department of Justice. He added that the established procedures and legal avenues would be followed in such cases.

Notably, for any legal actions to be taken in India, including the execution of an arrest warrant, the US authorities are required to notify the Ministry of Home Affairs in India. Following, the Home Ministry can then direct relevant federal agencies to act upon the request.

Reports stated that the indictment against Gautam Adani in the US includes allegations of bribery to secure solar energy contracts in India and misleading American investors through fraudulent financial disclosures.

The US authorities, if they seek to bring Gautam Adani to the US to face charges, are expected to invoke the India-US extradition treaty. The US must provide evidence linking the alleged actions to violations of American law and demonstrate their jurisdictional impact under the aforesaid treaty.

Addressing a press conference today, the MEA spokesperson said that the government was not informed in advance about the matter and had not discussed it with their US counterparts. He mentioned that any request by a foreign government for the service of a summons or arrest warrant is part of mutual legal assistance. He explained that such requests are examined on merits. He asserted that they have not received any request in this case from the US side.

Randhir Jaiswal also emphasised that the issue pertains to private entities and that the government is not legally involved in the matter at this stage. Nonetheless, the Adani Group has dismissed the charges as baseless and said it would tackle the matter legally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday targeted the Congress-led Opposition over its remarks, saying the “Chowkidar” who was a thief for them in 2019, the same “Chowkidar” became honest by 2024 and they haven’t called him a thief even once since then.

The Prime Minister alleged that their only aim is to somehow capture power by misleading the people of the country.

Addressing BJP workers in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, PM Modi said that “these power hungry Opposition has been lying to the public”. He alleged when one of their lies does not work, they fabricate a bigger lie, adding, “They do the same to give false assurance to their workers also”.

PM arrived in Bhubaneswar earlier today for a three-day visit to Odisha, where he will also participate in the All India DGP/IGP Conference scheduled to commence later in the day.

During his address, Modi acknowledged the natural occurrence of criticism in political discourse, stating that differences of opinion can arise concerning government decisions. But, PM Modi said, “You all must be feeling a big change. The spirit of the Constitution of India is crushed, and all the norms of democracy are rejected. Those who view power as their birthright have not held it at the Centre for the last decade.”

In an apparent reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi said, “He is angry with the people of the country for choosing someone else from the very first day. This situation has filled them with such anger that they are now busy plotting against the country. These individuals have begun to express their discontent on the populace.”

The Supreme Court had in 2019 closed a contempt case filed against Rahul Gandhi after he wrongly linked its Rafale case order to his “Chowkidar Chor Hai” remarks against PM Modi.

Continuing his attack, PM Modi criticised the Opposition, asserting that they have been misleading citizens in an effort to lead the country astray. “Their shop of lies and rumors has been running for 50-60 years. Now, they have intensified this campaign,” he said.

PM Modi pointed out that in light of these circumstances, the actions and intentions of the Opposition pose a significant challenge for aware citizens, BJP workers, and those who cherish the country and respect the Constitution. He urged fellow countrymen to remain vigilant and to keep educating the public.

“I am pleased to share the BJP’s efforts, Odisha’s tribal daughter Draupadi Murmu is now the President of the country. This achievement has elevated the pride of the entire tribal community. Murmu ji’s rise to the highest office has bolstered the confidence of daughters from all segments of society, and her journey will inspire generations to come,” he said.

Furthermore, PM Modi noted that the results of the recently concluded Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana have infused the nation with new confidence. He also noted that before the Assembly election in Odisha, political experts claimed that the BJP had little chance of forming a government on its own, yet the results of the Odisha election ended up surprising many.

In a tragic incident, ten people were killed and several others were injured after a bus travelling from Maharashtra’s Bhandara to Gondia overturned near Khajri village. The police said that a State transport bus met with an accident in Gondia district. They added that the bus was en route from the Bhandara depot to Gondia when the bus driver lost control of the vehicle near Bindravana Tola village on the Gondia-Arjuni road and overturned on the side of the road. 

The officer added that eight people have died and around 30 people are injured. Reports stated that the injured have been shifted to the Gondia District Hospital. Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered the Transport Administration to provide immediate assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the victims.

A statement from the CMO said that a State transport Shivshahi bus overturned in a horrific accident. It added that eight bodies have been recovered from the site of the incident, and the death toll is expected to increase. The statement mentioned that information about the situation was taken from the local administration, and instructions have been issued for immediate and proper treatment of the injured.

Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis offered his condolences to the bereaved family members. Taking to X, he said that it is very unfortunate that a Shivshahi bus met with an unfortunate accident near Sadak Arjun in Gondia district in which some passengers died. He paid heartfelt respects to the deceased, and expressed grief for their families.

He added that the people who were injured in this incident may immediately receive treatment in a private hospital if necessary. He further mentioned that he told the Collector of Gondia to make arrangements to shift them to Nagpur if required. He continued that senior administration officials have reached the spot and are coordinating relief efforts.