Cash-For-Query Case: CBI Initiates Preliminary Probe Against Mahua Moitra

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has started an inquiry into the cash-for-query allegations against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.

A preliminary probe has been initiated on the orders of Lokpal, NDTV reported quoting sources.

The central agency will decide whether to file a criminal case against the Krishnanagar (West Bengal) MP based on this inquiry, the report of which will be submitted to Lokpal.

The CBI can’t arrest an accused or conduct searches under a preliminary inquiry, but can seek information, examine documents and question Moitra.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had lodged a complaint accusing the TMC MP of taking a bribe from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in return for asking questions in Parliament.

On November 8, Dubey claimed that Lokpal had “ordered a CBI inquiry against accused Mahua Moitra for indulging in corruption at the cost of national security.”

In his complaint, Dubey accused Moitra of asking questions in Lok Sabha to target the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hiranandani’s behest in exchange for gifts.

Moitra has been also been accused of sharing her Parliament login ID with Hiranandani to post questions on her behalf.

Lok Sabha Ethics Committee probed the charges against Moitra and has recommended that she be disqualified from Parliament’s Winter Session.

Moitra has rubbished the allegations, terming them ‘political vendetta’.