Lokpal Orders CBI Probe Into Allegations Against TMC Leader Mahua Moitra In Cash For Query Case

According to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, the Lokpal order directing CBI to conduct a thorough probe into allegations against TMC's Mahua Moitra came in response to a complaint filed by him.

File Photo of TMC leader Mahua Moitra

Source : PTI

The Anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal on Tuesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the cash-for-query allegations against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra and submit findings within six months, according to an order. The directive came while deciding a complaint by BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey, who alleged that Moitra had asked questions in Parliament in exchange for cash and gifts from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani, as reported by news agency PTI.

"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 in nature, especially in view of the position held by her," read the Lokpal order, as quoted by PTI.

The Lokpal bench, comprising Justice Abhilasha Kumari (judicial member) and Members Archana Ramasundaram and Mahender Singh, referred to Moitra as the RPS in the order, stating, "Therefore, in our considered opinion, a deeper probe is required to establish the truth. This is vital in view of the position and status held by the RPS at the relevant point of time."

The order emphasised the duty of public servants to exercise probity in their duties, highlighting the heavier responsibility on public representatives. It stated, "Corruption is a malaise that is adversely affecting the legislative, administrative, social and economic functioning of this democratic country", PTI's report stated.

Accordingly, the Lokpal directed the CBI to "investigate all aspects of the allegations made in the complaint, and submit a copy of the investigation report within a period of six months from the date of receipt of this order." Additionally, the CBI was instructed to file periodical reports regarding the status of the investigation every month, as per the report.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Hails Lokpal Decision

In a post on X, Dubey expressed satisfaction with Lokpal's decision, stating, "Today, Lokpal has upheld the truth. By ordering a CBI probe against Mahua Moitra, Lokpal has ensured that those who compromise the country's security for a few bucks are held accountable."

सत्यमेव जयते
आज मेरे शिकायत को सही मानते हुए लोकपाल ने महुआ मोइत्रा के खिलाफ CBI को जॉंच करने का आदेश दिया । यानि चंद पैसों के लिए तृणमूल कॉंग्रेस की पूर्व सांसद ने हीरानंदानी के साथ भ्रष्टाचार व देश की सुरक्षा को गिरवी रखा। जय शिव pic.twitter.com/hzxHpqN1Mr

— Dr Nishikant Dubey(Modi Ka Parivar) (@nishikant_dubey) March 19, 2024

Previously, Dubey had written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, demanding an investigation into Mahua Moitra's conduct. Following the complaint, an Ethics Committee was formed, which recommended the then-parliamentarian's suspension. Consequently, Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December last year for unethical conduct. She has since moved the Supreme Court to challenge her expulsion.

Moitra, who won the Krishnanagar seat in West Bengal in 2019 on a TMC ticket, has been renominated from the same constituency by the party for the upcoming elections.