In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated searches at locations associated with Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, spanning her residences in Kolkata and other areas. The probe by the premier investigative agency is linked to the cash-for-query scandal, which led to Moitra’s loss of Lok Sabha membership last year.
The CBI’s actions come on the heels of Thursday’s registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Mahua Moitra in connection with the scandal, prompted by directives from the Lokpal. The Lokpal has mandated the CBI to investigate the allegations and furnish a report within six months, along with monthly updates on progress.
“In light of the substantial evidence supporting the serious allegations against the Respondent Public Servant (RPS), coupled with the gravity of her position, a thorough investigation is deemed necessary to ascertain the truth,” stated the Lokpal in its order.
Teams from the central probe agency promptly initiated search operations at Mahua Moitra’s Kolkata residence and other designated locations early on Saturday, apprising her of the proceedings and commencing the search operation.
The allegations against Mahua Moitra involve purported acceptance of bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for posing questions in Parliament, alongside allegations of sharing her parliamentary login credentials with the businessman.
Denying the bribery accusations, Moitra clarified that she shared her credentials to facilitate the businessman’s staff in drafting her parliamentary queries on the official portal. However, her expulsion from the Lok Sabha in December on grounds of “unethical conduct” underscores the gravity of the situation.
Challenging her expulsion in the Supreme Court, Mahua Moitra’s political journey continues amidst legal and investigative challenges. Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has nominated Moitra as the party’s Lok Sabha candidate for the Krishnanagar seat in West Bengal, amid ongoing controversies.
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