THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Kolkata, March 23: In relation to an alleged cash-for-query case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting searches at the residences of Trinamool Congress politician Mahua Moitra and other locations in Kolkata.
This follows Lokpal’s directive on Tuesday for the CBI to look into every facet of the accusations made against Mahua Moitra in the ‘cash for query’ case.
Lokpal directs deeper probe
The CBI was instructed by the Lokpal on March 15 to look into the allegations made in accordance with Section 20(3)(a) and provide a report in six months.
Additionally, the CBI is required to submit monthly periodic reports outlining the investigation’s progress.
In its order, Lokpal emphasized that after a thorough assessment of all available evidence, there is certainty regarding the gravity of the allegations against the Respondent Public Servant (RPS), which are predominantly substantiated by compelling evidence. Given the significance of the individual’s position, Lokpal concluded that further investigation is necessary to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
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On the Lokpal’s referral, the CBI had previously carried out a preliminary inquiry into the accusations made against Moitra.
Moitra expelled from Lok Sabha on Dec 8
Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha on December 8 after the House adopted the Ethics Committee’s report, which found Moitra guilty of taking gifts and illicit gratuity from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in order to pursue his interests. The TMC leader had strongly refuted the accusations.
Regarding the ‘Cash for Query’ accusations leveled by Nishikant Dubey against Mahua Moitra, Dubey claimed that the Trinamool MP had received payments from a Dubai-based businessman named Hiranandani in exchange for posing questions in Parliament with the aim of targeting the Adani Group.
Following her expulsion, Moitra condemned the ethics panel for making decisions without sufficient evidence, asserting that it was turning into a tool to suppress the Opposition. She accused the Ethics Committee and its report of violating established rules.
