Following the instructions of the anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal, the CBI has registered an FIR against former Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the cash-for-query case, officials disclosed. Lokpal directed the CBI to take action after receiving the results of the agency’s initial inquiry into allegations made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey against Moitra.
The Lokpal instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation to present its findings six months after conducting a thorough investigation into the complaints against Moitra. Moitra was expelled from Lok Sabha in December last year for “unethical behavior”. She has challenged her expulsion in the Supreme Court and is set to run in the upcoming general elections as the TMC’s candidate from the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal.
Dubey claimed that Moitra accepted cash and gifts from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for asking questions in Lok Sabha to criticize industrialist Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others.
Moitra has refuted all accusations. The Lokpal determined that the allegations against her, supported by strong evidence, are serious and warrant further investigation due to her position at the time of the alleged incidents.
The Lokpal bench comprising Justice Abhilasha Kumari (judicial member) and members Archana Ramasundaram and Mahender Singh stated, “A public servant must adhere to integrity in fulfilling their duties, especially a public representative. Corruption is a detrimental issue affecting the functioning of this democratic nation.”
Therefore, the Lokpal directed the CBI to thoroughly investigate all allegations and provide a report within six months of receiving the order. The CBI must also submit monthly updates on the progress of the investigation.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from PTI)