Tag: Adani Shares

  • “Hindenburg’s ‘Hit Job’ Must Be Accountable”: Mahesh Jethmalani Calls for Justice

    In a fiery statement to NDTV, senior lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani slammed Hindenburg Research and its chief, Nate Anderson, for their role in destabilizing the Indian market with what he termed as a “hit job.” His remarks come in the wake of Hindenburg’s announcement to wind up operations, sparking debates over accountability and the motivations behind their controversial actions.


    Hindenburg’s Exit: An Evasive Maneuver or Genuine Conclusion?

    Nate Anderson, the founder of Hindenburg Research, recently declared that the firm was shutting down due to the intense nature of its work. However, this decision has raised eyebrows, with critics like Jethmalani suggesting that it might be an attempt to evade potential investigations.

    “Their claim to fame rests solely on the Adani ‘hit job.’ Beyond that, there is no significant or credible body of work to their name. It’s clear that the disruption they caused to India’s economy was deliberate and targeted,” Jethmalani stated.


    Adani Group Fallout: The Cost of Speculation

    Hindenburg’s allegations against the Adani Group not only rattled investor confidence but also wiped out billions in market value, with small-time investors bearing the brunt. Jethmalani expressed outrage at the lack of accountability, stating, “Now Anderson says, ‘I’m off, I’m done.’ How does one ensure justice for the havoc they wreaked?”


    Accountability and the Role of SEBI

    The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is investigating the matter. However, Jethmalani pointed out the challenges of prosecuting a US-based entity. He highlighted the potential influence of global players like George Soros, alleging that anti-India sentiment fueled Hindenburg’s actions.

    “George Soros, a known financier of anti-India campaigns, has been a significant supporter of the Democratic Party in the US. This ‘deep state’ alliance raises questions about the timing and nature of Hindenburg’s actions,” he remarked.


    Hopes for International Collaboration

    Jethmalani expressed optimism that the incoming Trump administration could initiate a probe into Hindenburg’s operations, aiding India in holding the firm accountable. “We should seek help from friendly governments to ensure that this man and his associates are brought to justice,” he added.


    Mukul Rohatgi: “Hindenburg’s Actions Were a Shoot-and-Scoot Strategy”

    Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi also weighed in, describing Hindenburg as a “dubious organization” focused on destabilizing markets for profit.

    “Hindenburg’s modus operandi is clear: they short sell, create market panic, and then disappear. Their decision to shut down is likely an attempt to avoid facing investigations in India or the US,” Rohatgi said.


    The Political Angle: Opposition and JPC Probe Demand

    The Hindenburg-Adani controversy has sparked political debates, with opposition parties demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe. However, India’s Supreme Court and investigative institutions have dismissed Hindenburg’s allegations as baseless.

    At the Adani Group’s annual general meeting in June 2025, Chairman Gautam Adani addressed the issue, saying, “We faced baseless accusations made by a foreign short seller. Despite the attack on our integrity and reputation, we stood resilient and proved our strength.”


    Conclusion: A Call for Accountability

    Hindenburg’s sudden exit has left many unanswered questions about its motives and operations. As calls for justice grow louder, Mahesh Jethmalani’s fiery remarks underline the need for stricter mechanisms to hold entities like Hindenburg accountable for their actions.


    This unfolding saga is a stark reminder of the need for robust regulatory frameworks and international cooperation to protect economies from malicious actors.

  • Hindenburg Shuts Down: Was the Short-Seller Feeling the Pressure?

    Synopsis:
    Hindenburg Research, the controversial short-selling firm that targeted India’s Adani Group, is shutting down amid mounting scrutiny. Allegations of regulatory violations, potential collusion, and links to external actors like China and George Soros have raised questions about the firm’s motives.


    Hindenburg Research Shuts Down Operations

    Hindenburg Research, the U.S.-based short-selling firm best known for its scathing reports on the Adani Group, announced its closure. Nate Anderson, the founder, stated that the decision wasn’t tied to any specific threat or personal issue. “As I shared with family, friends, and our team since late last year, I’ve decided to disband Hindenburg Research,” Anderson said. The firm recently concluded its final investigations, including reports on Ponzi schemes, marking the end of its operations.


    Scrutiny and Allegations Surrounding Hindenburg’s Closure

    The timing of Hindenburg’s shutdown has fueled speculation. It comes ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration and follows a Republican lawmaker’s call for the U.S. Department of Justice to preserve records related to the Adani investigation. Allegations of links to China and George Soros have also surfaced, adding to the intrigue.

    India’s Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) issued a show-cause notice to Hindenburg in June 2024, accusing the firm of regulatory violations. These allegations include misleading disclaimers and collusion with hedge funds for profit-sharing deals. Hindenburg’s report on Adani, released in January 2023, triggered a significant sell-off in Adani stocks, wiping billions off the conglomerate’s market value.

    Hindenburg dismissed SEBI’s notice as “nonsense,” claiming it was an attempt to intimidate those exposing corruption. However, SEBI alleged that Hindenburg held positions through Indian stock market futures despite disclaimers suggesting otherwise. The investigation revealed that Hindenburg shared its findings with Kingdon Capital Management, a New York hedge fund, under a profit-sharing agreement. Kingdon used Kotak Mahindra Bank to execute trades based on the report, SEBI noted.


    The ‘China Connection’ and Controversial Allegations

    Adding to the controversy, Indian lawyer and parliamentarian Mahesh Jethmalani accused Hindenburg’s partner, Kingdon Capital, of ties to China. Jethmalani alleged that Mark Kingdon’s wife, Anla Cheng, had links to the Chinese Communist Party and led initiatives favoring Beijing’s interests. These claims remain unverified but have fueled narratives about geopolitical motives behind Hindenburg’s reports.

    Jethmalani further suggested that Hindenburg’s report on Adani may have been influenced by China, given Adani Group’s competition with Chinese firms on global contracts.


    Political Undertones: Soros and U.S. Influence

    The shutdown of Hindenburg Research also brings George Soros into the spotlight. Soros has openly criticized India’s BJP-led government and commented on Hindenburg’s Adani report, suggesting it could spark political change in India. Meanwhile, reports have alleged links between Soros-funded organizations and investigative journalism outlets, such as the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which also targeted Adani.

    The BJP has accused the Congress party of amplifying anti-India narratives through Hindenburg and OCCRP, claims Congress has dismissed as diversion tactics.


    The Fallout: What’s Next?

    With Hindenburg’s closure, questions remain about its operations, ethics, and long-term impact. The Adani saga has reignited debates on short-selling practices and their influence on global markets. As regulatory bodies in India and the U.S. continue their investigations, the spotlight on Hindenburg’s methods—and motives—may linger.