The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently conducting searches at various properties associated with Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, including her residences in Kolkata and other locations. This action comes in light of the cash-for-query scandal, which led to Moitra’s dismissal from her Lok Sabha seat last year. Following directions from the Lokpal, the CBI has initiated an FIR against Mahua Moitra regarding the scandal.
The Lokpal has instructed the CBI to thoroughly investigate the allegations and submit a report within six months, along with monthly progress updates. The seriousness of the accusations against Moitra, supported by substantial evidence, prompted the Lokpal to advocate for a deeper inquiry, given her influential position.
Teams from the central investigative agency descended upon Mahua Moitra’s Kolkata residence and other cities early on Saturday to commence the search operation. Moitra stands accused of allegedly accepting bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for posing questions on his behalf in Parliament. Additionally, she faces allegations of sharing her parliamentary login credentials with Hiranandani.
Despite denying the bribery allegations, Moitra admitted to sharing her login details to help the businessman’s staff draft her parliamentary queries on the official portal. Nonetheless, her expulsion from the Lok Sabha in December due to alleged unethical conduct casts a shadow over her claims.
Moitra has contested her expulsion in the Supreme Court, even as Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has nominated her as the party’s candidate for the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings surrounding Mahua Moitra underscore the gravity of the allegations and the political ramifications they entail.
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