CBI Initiates Investigation into Cash-for-Query Allegations Against Mahua Moitra

In a significant development related to the cash-for-query controversy, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a preliminary probe against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra. The Lokpal has directed this inquiry, and the CBI will determine whether to proceed with a criminal case based on the findings.

During the preliminary inquiry, the CBI is limited in its actions—it cannot make arrests or conduct searches but can gather information and question the Trinamool MP. The complaint leading to this investigation was filed by Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehardrai. Allegations suggest that Moitra accepted bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to pose questions in Parliament.

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The Ethics Committee, prompted by a complaint from BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, has also taken up the matter. Hiranandani, in an affidavit, claimed that Moitra shared her MP email ID for him to send information, and later, she provided her Parliament login and password for him to directly post questions.

Hiranandani alleged that Moitra aimed for national recognition by attacking PM Narendra Modi, viewing Adani as a means to do so due to their shared Gujarat roots. The CBI’s move follows West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent statement, breaking her silence on the issue. Banerjee suggested that Moitra’s chances could improve if she were expelled from the Lok Sabha based on the Ethics Committee’s report.

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Banerjee remarked, “They have planned to chase out Mahua. She will become popular for three months. What she said inside… she will say outside. She will hold press conferences every day. What does she lose?”