In a significant development concerning the cash-for-query controversy involving Mahua Moitra, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a preliminary probe against the Trinamool Congress MP based on the Lokpal’s directives, as reported by sources to NDTV. The investigation will determine whether a criminal case should be filed against Moitra, a matter contingent upon the preliminary enquiry’s findings.
Under this preliminary inquiry, the CBI holds authority to gather information, examine documents, and question the accused MP, but cannot carry out arrests or searches. The report resulting from this probe will be submitted to the anti-corruption body, considering that it was initiated at the Lokpal’s direction.
The genesis of the case traces back to a CBI complaint filed by Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai, alleging Moitra’s acceptance of bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for posing questions in Parliament. Subsequently, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s complaint led Speaker Om Birla to refer the matter to the Ethics Committee, also prompting a complaint to the Lokpal.
Responding to the CBI’s probe initiation, Moitra expressed her incredulity, highlighting the absence of a full-time Lokpal chairman since May 2022 and three vacant member posts according to an RTI query. She took to social media to express her skepticism regarding the referral of her case to an agency by a body currently without proper leadership.
Allegations put forth by Hiranandani in an affidavit to the Ethics Committee claimed that Moitra had shared her MP email ID for receiving information, subsequently providing her Parliament login and password for direct question posting. He further asserted that Moitra aimed to gain national attention by targeting PM Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani.
The Ethics Committee, after conducting hearings, adopted a report earlier this month, recommending Moitra’s expulsion from the House over accusations of accepting “illegal gratifications” and displaying “unethical conduct” and “contempt of the House”. This report, adopted by a 6:4 verdict, awaits the Speaker’s office’s consideration.
During a hearing on November 2, Moitra stormed out, claiming she faced intrusive and offensive questioning. She accused Vinod Sonkar, the Ethics Committee chairman, of relying on questions provided by Dehadrai, whom she referred to as her “jilted ex”.
The CBI’s move follows West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent remarks, suggesting that Moitra’s expulsion from Lok Sabha, as recommended by the Ethics Committee report, could elevate her public profile. Banerjee speculated that Moitra, if expelled, might capitalize on the situation to voice her opinions publicly.
As the probe unfolds and the Ethics Committee’s report remains pending, the case against Moitra continues to evolve, stirring political and ethical debates amid the corridors of power.
Sources By Agencies
