In a significant development in 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 directions of the Lokpal, sources have informed NDTV. The CBI will conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine if a criminal case should be filed against Moitra.
During a preliminary enquiry, the CBI does not have the authority to arrest the accused or carry out searches. However, they can gather information, examine documents, and question the Trinamool MP. Since this enquiry was initiated by the Lokpal, the final report will be submitted to the anti-corruption body.
The CBI complaint in the case was filed by Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai, who alleged that Moitra had accepted bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for asking questions in Parliament. Based on Dehadrai’s complaint, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey wrote to Speaker Om Birla, who then referred the matter to the Ethics Committee. Dubey also filed a complaint with the Lokpal.
In an affidavit submitted to the panel, Hiranandani claimed that Moitra had provided her email ID as a Member of Parliament, allowing him to send her information to be raised as questions in Parliament. He further alleged that Moitra had shared her Parliament login and password with him, enabling him to directly post the questions.
Hiranandani also accused Moitra of using personal attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a means to gain national fame. He claimed that she targeted Gautam Adani, as both Adani and Modi hail from Gujarat.
The Ethics Panel conducted an investigation and recommended Moitra’s expulsion from the Lok Sabha due to her “unethical conduct” and “contempt of the House.” The report was submitted to Speaker Om Birla’s office. During a hearing on November 2, Moitra walked out, claiming she was asked “extremely personal and derogatory questions.” She also accused Vinod Sonkar, the chairman of the Ethics Committee, of using questions provided by Dehadrai, whom she referred to as her “jilted ex.”
The CBI’s decision to initiate a probe comes shortly after West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee commented on the controversy. Banerjee stated that Moitra’s chances would improve if she was expelled from the Lok Sabha based on the Ethics Committee’s report.
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