Introduction
Scandals are a mirror reflecting the underbelly of any society, but in India, they often become the main act in the theatre of politics. Today, the Adani Group’s alleged involvement in fraud and bribery raises eyebrows and questions about the future of corporate ethics in the country. But rewind a few decades, and you will find the Bofors scandal, a story so politically charged that it toppled governments and changed India’s perception of trust and justice.
Before Adani made headlines, Bofors defined the word corruption in India. This story isn’t just about money, arms deals, or power—it is about how history repeats itself when lessons are ignored.
What is the Adani Scandal About?
The Adani Group has been accused of fraud and bribery, as a US court recently indicted one of its subsidiaries. Allegations surfaced about how the company engaged in unethical practices to secure contracts.
This scandal reignited debates about corporate governance and political patronage. With Adani's rise closely linked to infrastructure projects and proximity to power corridors, the story evokes parallels to Bofors. Both cases involve allegations of using undue influence to further private gains.
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The Timeline of Allegations
- Early Revelations (2023): Reports began surfacing about irregularities in Adani’s financial dealings abroad.
- US Indictment (2024): The case gained traction internationally, drawing scrutiny on the conglomerate’s practices.
- Public Reaction: Protests, political debates, and a divided opinion—while some called it a witch-hunt, others termed it a long-overdue reckoning.
What Happened in the Bofors Scandal?
The Bofors case was born in 1986 when India signed a $1.4 billion deal with Swedish arms manufacturer Bofors AB to procure howitzers. The deal, which was meant to modernise India's artillery, soon became the centre of one of the most notorious corruption scandals in Indian history.
How the Scandal Unfolded
In April 1987, Swedish Radio broke the story, alleging kickbacks worth ₹64 crore to secure the contract. This revelation sent shockwaves across India, leading to a series of investigations and dramatic political fallout.
Key Figures in the Bofors Scandal
- Rajiv Gandhi: Then Prime Minister, whose image as Mr Clean was tarnished irreparably.
- Ottavio Quattrocchi:At the heart of the scandal was Ottavio Quattrocchi, an Italian businessman with close ties to then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s family. His company, AE Services, allegedly received millions in pay-offs.
- Hindujas: The influential industrialist brothers also implicated in the case. However, nothing turned up against them as investigations were inconclusive.
The Fallout
The scandal not only cost Rajiv Gandhi the 1989 elections but also redefined the trajectory of Indian politics. The Congress Party, which had dominated Indian politics since independence, faced an existential crisis.
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How Did the Bofors Scandal Come to Light?
The story owes its exposure to two significant forces: investigative journalism and whistleblowing.
Swedish Radio’s Bombshell
On April 16, 1987, Swedish Radio broadcasted a report alleging bribes in the Bofors deal. This wasn’t just another rumour—it came with documentation pointing to payments made to secure the contract.
Indian Journalists Take Charge
Journalists like Chitra Subramaniam played a pivotal role in uncovering the extent of the corruption. Subramaniam’s investigative work, often published in The Hindu, involved combing through complex financial trails, Swiss bank accounts, and confidential documents.
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Why is the Bofors Case Still Relevant?
Corruption scandals like Bofors never truly fade away—they serve as reminders of systemic failures.
The Parallels to Adani
- Public Trust: Both scandals eroded trust in institutions.
- Political Protection: Key players were shielded, delaying justice.
- Global Attention: International media and courts became involved, highlighting India’s governance challenges.
The Symbolism of Bofors
Bofors became a shorthand for political corruption, much like “Watergate” in the US. Every major scandal since—whether the 2G spectrum case, Coalgate, or the Adani allegations—has drawn comparisons to Bofors.
Did India Forget Bofors?
Over time, the Bofors scandal lost its sting in public memory. But why did this happen?
Shifting Media Narratives
In the 24/7 news cycle, scandals are like fireworks—they dazzle, they burn out. Newer controversies, like the 2G spectrum or the Nirav Modi fraud, took centre stage, relegating Bofors to history books.
Political Amnesia
As governments changed, so did priorities. Successive regimes failed to pursue the case with vigour, allowing it to languish in the annals of unpunished crimes.
A Weary Public
Indians, fatigued by a litany of scandals, grew apathetic. While initial outrage was intense, it rarely translated into sustained demand for reforms.
What Happened to Ottavio Quattrocchi?
The long arm of justice never caught Ottavio Quattrocchi. His story is one of evasion, political intrigue, and systemic failure.
Extradition Drama
- Malaysia (2003): Quattrocchi was arrested, but Indian authorities failed to secure his extradition.
- Argentina (2007): Another arrest, another failure—this time thanks to weak legal groundwork by the CBI.
The Clean Chit Controversy
In 2004, after the UPA came to power, senior legal officers effectively gave Quattrocchi a clean chit.Even when Italy offered to try him, India declined. His frozen bank accounts were unfrozen, and extradition requests were half-hearted. This led to widespread criticism of political interference. This reflects a disturbing pattern of protecting the powerful, no matter the cost to institutional integrity.
Corruption, as a theme, transcends eras. Both Bofors and Adani highlight how systemic failures allow scandals to fester. In both cases:
- There was an initial media storm followed by a waning public interest.
- Investigative agencies were accused of being selective or complicit.
- The final resolution—or lack thereof—left critical questions unanswered.
Why Does Corruption Keep Happening?
Despite the public uproar over scandals like Bofors and Adani, corruption persists.
The Power of the Elite
In both cases, powerful individuals used their influence to manipulate the system. From Rajiv Gandhi’s government to today’s political-industrial nexus, the patterns are strikingly similar.
Weak Institutions
The CBI, often criticised for its inefficacy, became a symbol of India’s inability to hold the powerful accountable.
Public Apathy
Scandals like these rarely result in electoral consequences after the initial uproar. Without sustained civic pressure, reforms remain a distant dream.
What Can We Learn from Bofors and Adani?
- Demand Accountability: Public vigilance is essential to ensure justice.
- Strengthen Institutions: From the judiciary to investigative agencies, systemic reform is crucial.
- Never Forget: History has a habit of repeating itself when its lessons are ignored.
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Conclusion
From Bofors to Adani, the story of corruption in India is one of déjà vu. Each scandal starts with outrage, leads to inquiries, and ends in apathy. But these are more than just stories—they are opportunities to rebuild trust, strengthen systems, and demand accountability. Remembering these episodes isn’t just about accountability; it is about learning the lessons we otherwise forget.
For every Bofors and Adani, the real question remains: Will we ever learn?
Bio
Tushar Mangl is an energy healer, Vastu expert, and author of The Avenging Act. He writes on investments, mental health, and living a balanced life.
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