CBI Registers Preliminary Enquiry Against TMC MP Mahua Moitra In 'Cash For Query' Matter

The CBI has registered a preliminary enquiry against TMC MP Mahua Moitra based on bribery allegations in the cash for query matter, as per officials cited by news agency PTI.

File Photo of TMC Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra

Source : PTI

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a preliminary enquiry (PE) against Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra based on a reference from the anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal, news agency PTI reported citing officials. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey filed a complaint with the Lokpal, accusing Moitra of accepting bribes to raise questions in Parliament, further alleging her involvement in compromising national security for monetary gains.

Dubey's complaint prompted the Lokpal to refer the matter to the CBI. Simultaneously, the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee is also investigating the allegations against Moitra. It is important to note that so far, neither the CBI nor the Lokpal has issued a formal statement regarding the PE.

In response, Moitra took to X and wrote, "Neither has Lok Pal uploaded any referral order on website as per Lokpal Act  & nor has CBI put out anything official. “Sources” telling journos as per usual media circus. Hope ₹13,000 crore Adani coal scam merits CBI PE before my witchhunt."

The PE marks the initial step to determine if the accusations merit a comprehensive investigation. If enough evidence is found during this stage, the CBI can convert it into a First Information Report (FIR), PTI's report mentioned. Dubey specifically accused Moitra of soliciting questions in the Lok Sabha to target the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in exchange for gifts.

Moitra vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that she was being targeted due to her inquiries into the Adani Group's deals. The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, led by BJP MP Vinod Kumar Sonkar, recently submitted a report to Speaker Om Birla, recommending Moitra's expulsion from the House. The report alleges that she accepted illegal gratifications to raise questions in Parliament on behalf of businessman Darshan Hiranandani, PTI reported.

In response to the allegations, Moitra dismissed the committee's decision as a "predetermined match by a kangaroo court" and deemed it a threat to parliamentary democracy.

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on LS Ethics Panel Recommending Mahua Moitra's Expulsion

Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee broke her silence on the cash-for-query allegation against Mahua Moitra stating that plans were underway to expel her from Parliament, but she believed any such action would enhance the lawmaker's popularity ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing a special session of the party at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, Banerjee stated, "Now, they are planning to expel Mahua (from Parliament). She will become more popular as a result. Whatever she used to say inside (Parliament), she will now say those things outside", as quoted by PTI.

Moitra, who is currently facing expulsion recommendations from Lok Sabha, was recently assigned the responsibility of strengthening the party's organisation in Nadia district, signaling TMC's support for her.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's complaint alleged that Moitra received bribes to target the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in her parliamentary questions, claims Moitra vehemently denied, calling the committee's decision a threat to parliamentary democracy.