CBI Raids Mahua Moitra's Residence In Cash-For-Query Case Investigation

Search operations are being carried out at the residences and other locations of Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra in Kolkata by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with an alleged cash-for-query case.

This action has been initiated subsequent to an order issued by the Lokpal on Tuesday, directing the CBI to investigate all aspects of the allegations made against Mahua Moitra, the Trinamool Congress leader and former Member of Parliament, in the 'cash for query' case.

CBI Raids Moitra's Residence

The Lokpal, on March 15, had directed the CBI to conduct an investigation into the allegations under Section 20(3)(a) and to submit a report within six months. Furthermore, the CBI was mandated to provide periodical reports regarding the progress of the investigation every month, as reported by ANI.

In its order, the Lokpal stated, "After careful evaluation and consideration of the entire material on record, there remains no doubt regarding the fact that the allegations levelled against the Respondent Public Servant (RPS), most of which are supported by cogent evidence, are extremely serious, especially in view of the position held by her. Therefore, in our considered opinion, a deeper probe is required to establish the truth."

Previously, the CBI had conducted a preliminary inquiry into the allegations against Mahua Moitra, based on the reference from the Lokpal. Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December of the preceding year after the House adopted the report of its ethics committee, which had found her guilty of the allegations in the Cash for Query case, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Despite the allegations, Mahua Moitra has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and has asserted that she is being targeted due to her scrutiny of the dealings of the Adani Group. The complaint against her was lodged by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey with the Lok Sabha Speaker, alleging that she accepted "cash and gifts" from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for "asking questions in Parliament."

Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court dismissed Mahua Moitra's plea seeking to restrain Nishikant Dubey and Jai Dehadrai from making allegations in the cash-for-query case.