New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently conducting searches at various premises associated with Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, including her residences in Kolkata and other locations. This move comes in the wake of the cash-for-query case, which led to Moitra’s expulsion from the Lok Sabha last year.
On Thursday, the CBI initiated an FIR against Mahua Moitra in connection with the case, following directives from the Lokpal. The Lokpal has instructed the CBI to investigate the allegations and furnish a report within six months, along with monthly progress updates.
The decision to pursue this matter further was underscored by Lokpal’s assessment of the evidence, deeming the accusations against Moitra, a public figure of significant stature, as grave and necessitating a thorough investigation.
Central investigative teams commenced search operations at Mahua Moitra’s Kolkata residence and other locations early on Saturday, informing her of the proceedings before initiating the search.
Moitra stands accused of purportedly receiving bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for posing questions in Parliament on his behalf. Additionally, she is alleged to have shared her parliamentary login details with the said businessman.
Mahua Moitra, however, refutes these allegations, asserting that she shared her credentials to facilitate the businessman’s staff in drafting her parliamentary inquiries on the official portal.
Nevertheless, her expulsion from the Lok Sabha in December on grounds of “unethical conduct” underscores the gravity of the situation. Moitra has contested her expulsion in the Supreme Court.
In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has nominated Mahua Moitra as the party’s candidate for the Krishnanagar seat in West Bengal.
