CBI Searches TMC Leader Mahua Moitra's Residence In Connection With Alleged Cash-For-Query Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra's home in Kolkata today in connection with the cash-for-query case.

File photo of TMC leader Mahua Moitra

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Saturday conducted searches at the premises of Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra in connection with the alleged cash-for-query-case. CBI conducted raids at various locations including Kolkata. The teams of the central probe agency reached her residence in Kolkata and began conducting the raids after informing about the search proceedings, news agency PTI reported.

CBI is conducting searches at TMC leader Mahua Moitra's residences and other places in Kolkata and other places in connection with alleged cash for query case.

(File photo) pic.twitter.com/3FtJd19eHX

— ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2024

The raids came in after CBI filed an FIR against the former TMC MP on Thursday on the basis of the directives from anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal, which had asked the agency to file a report within six months.

The Lokal had issued the directions to the CBI after reviewing the findings of the agency's premiliminary inquiry which was done after BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey raised allegations against Mahua. 

BJP Leader Nishikant Dubey's Allegations Against Mahua Moitra

Dubey alleged that Moitra raised questions in the House in exchange for cash and gifts from a Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani. This was done to mount an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani, among others, PTI reported.

In October 2023, Hiranandani had submitted an affidavit to the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee alleging that Maha Moitra had given him the "Parliament login and password" so that he could "post questions on her behalf when required," TOI reported.

Mahua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December last year over her unethical conduct.

Subsequently, she challenged her expulsion in the Supreme Court. Despite the controversy, she will be in hustings during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2024 as a TMC candidate from West Bengal's Krishnanagar seat.

Meanwhile, Moitra's ex-partner also filed a defamation case against her at the Delhi High Court. He has sought damages worth Rs 2 crore for the defamatory and abusive statements made by her against him on media outlets and social media platforms in connection with the cash-for-query case.