Trinamool Congress Leader Mahua Moitra Faces CBI Probe in Cash-for-Query Scandal

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated searches at premises associated with Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, including her residences in Kolkata and other locations. This action is part of the investigation into the cash-for-query scandal, which led to Moitra losing her Lok Sabha membership last year.

Following directions from the Lokpal, the CBI registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Mahua Moitra regarding the scandal. The Lokpal has instructed the CBI to investigate the allegations and submit a report within six months, with periodic updates every month.

The allegations against Mahua Moitra are serious, particularly considering her position, according to the Lokpal’s order. The investigation aims to delve deeper into the matter to establish the truth based on the available evidence.

Teams from the central probe agency commenced search operations at Mahua Moitra’s residence in Kolkata and other cities early on Saturday, informing her about the proceedings.

Mahua Moitra is accused of receiving bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for asking questions on his behalf in Parliament. Additionally, she is accused of sharing her parliamentary login credentials with the businessman. Moitra denies accepting bribes and asserts that she shared the credentials for administrative purposes, allowing the businessman’s staff to type out her parliamentary queries on the official portal.

Despite her denial, Mahua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December for “unethical conduct.” She has contested her expulsion in the Supreme Court.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has nominated Mahua Moitra as the party’s Lok Sabha candidate from the Krishnanagar constituency in West Bengal.