CBI Conducts Searches at Ex-TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s Premises Over Allegations

New Delhi/Kolkata, Mar 23 - In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at the premises of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on Saturday. The operations were part of an investigation into the alleged cash-for-query case. Officials confirmed that the searches were carried out in multiple locations, including Moitra's residences in Kolkata, Krishnanagar, and Karimpur in West Bengal.

The CBI's activities began at Moitra’s rented residence in Krishnanagar and subsequently moved to her accommodation in Karimpur within the same district on Saturday night. According to an officer, the team had to forcibly enter the house by breaking open the lock. Meanwhile, another team conducted a search at her apartment in Alipore, Kolkata, where Moitra's father, Dipendra Lal Moitra, resides. The search operation in Alipore lasted approximately seven hours.

It was noted that CBI officers were supported by central forces during their raid on the apartment located in the southern part of Kolkata. This operation comes after the CBI registered an FIR against Moitra on Thursday following directives from the Lokpal. The anti-corruption ombudsman has instructed the agency to file a report within six months based on its findings.

Mahua Moitra, who previously represented the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat, faced expulsion from the House in December due to unethical conduct. Despite this setback, the TMC has nominated her again for the same seat. Moitra has taken legal action against her expulsion by challenging it in the Supreme Court.

The Lokpal's instructions to the CBI were prompted by allegations made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. Dubey accused Moitra of asking questions in the House in return for cash and gifts from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani. The allegations suggest that these actions were intended to target industrialist Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others.