Mumbai: Rahul Gandhi, a prominent political figure in India, has expressed concerns about India's reputation on the global stage ahead of the G20 Summit. He emphasized the significance of a level playing field and transparency in the country's economic environment and business operations.

Gandhi raised questions about the circulation of over a billion dollars from India, with funds moving through various channels before returning to the country. He inquired about the origins of this money, whether it belonged to Adani or other entities, and pointed to Vinod Adani as a key figure in this financial network. Additionally, he questioned the involvement of two foreign nationals in manipulating the valuations of a company with significant control over India's infrastructure.

Gandhi also noted that an earlier investigation into Adani's activities had resulted in a clean chit from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). He expressed concern about a former Sebi official who gave this clean chit and is now a director at NDTV, a TV channel owned by Adani.

The Congress leader called for a thorough investigation into these matters, suggesting the need for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to ensure transparency and accountability.

Earlier in the day, the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) released a report alleging that hundreds of millions of dollars had been invested in publicly traded group stocks through Mauritius-based 'opaque' investment funds managed by partners of the Adani family.

According to OCCRP, their investigation involved reviewing files from multiple tax havens and internal Adani Group emails, revealing at least two instances where undisclosed investors engaged in the buying and selling of Adani stock through offshore structures. They also highlighted the roles of two foreign nationals, Nasser Ali Shaban Ahli and Chang Chung-Ling, who have longstanding business ties to the Adani family and have served as directors and shareholders in Group companies associated with Gautam Adani's elder brother, Vinod Adani.

These individuals allegedly conducted extensive Adani stock transactions through offshore structures, generating substantial profits. OCCRP's documents purportedly indicate that a management company overseeing their investments paid a Vinod Adani company for advisory services.

It is noteworthy that OCCRP is the second organization, following short seller Hindenburg, to make serious allegations against the Adani Group within a span of seven months. However, the Adani Group has consistently denied these allegations, characterizing them as part of a concerted effort to revive the Hindenburg report, supported by certain foreign interests and media.