In a recent development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against former Member of Parliament (MP) Mahua Moitra and Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani in connection with the cash-for-query case. This move follows an order from the Lokpal, the country’s anti-corruption watchdog, which directed a formal CBI probe into the allegations against Moitra. The allegations stemmed from claims made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.
The FIR, dated March 21, specifically names Mahua Moitra, Darshan Hiranandani, and other unknown individuals. The case has been registered under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. Subsequently, the CBI conducted searches at various locations associated with Moitra in West Bengal’s Kolkata, Krishnanagar, and Karimpur. The search operation also extended to the residence of Moitra’s father, Dipendra Lal Moitra, located in the Alipore area.
The cash-for-query case revolves around accusations made by Nishikant Dubey against Mahua Moitra. Dubey alleged that Moitra accepted bribes from Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for posing questions in the Parliament. These questions, according to Dubey, targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani, among others. Moitra refuted the bribery allegations but admitted to sharing her parliamentary login credentials with the businessman. Despite denying the acceptance of bribes, Moitra faced expulsion from the Lok Sabha in December due to what was termed as “unethical conduct” following a probe by a Parliamentary Committee.
Following her expulsion from the Lok Sabha, Mahua Moitra, who has been nominated by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) from the Krishnanagar constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, has taken the matter to the Supreme Court. Moitra is challenging her expulsion, asserting her innocence in the case.
The developments in the cash-for-query case have drawn significant attention, highlighting the intersection of politics and allegations of corruption. As investigations proceed, the outcomes of the legal proceedings involving Mahua Moitra and Darshan Hiranandani are eagerly awaited by various stakeholders.
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