1. CBI conducting searches in Kolkata linked to ex-TMC MP Mahua Moitra in cash-for-query case.
2. FIR registered against Moitra by CBI, signaling a significant development in the investigation.
3. Ongoing probe gains momentum as CBI takes action against Moitra in cash-for-query scandal.
Kolkata, March 23: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently conducting searches at various locations in Kolkata connected to former Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the cash-for-query case.
This move comes in the wake of the CBI registering an FIR against Moitra, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
The FIR was filed following directives from the Lokpal after the CBI conducted a preliminary inquiry into allegations leveled against Moitra by BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey.
Dubey accused the TMC leader of soliciting cash and gifts from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for posing questions in the Lok Sabha aimed at targeting industrialist Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Moitra has vehemently refuted these allegations.
The Lokpal has requested a comprehensive investigation report from the CBI within a six-month timeframe. Additionally, the CBI has been instructed to submit monthly updates on the progress of the investigation.
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The cash-for-query case revolves around allegations made by Nishikant Dubey, who, based on a letter received from Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai, claims that Moitra shared her Lok Sabha member portal login credentials with Darshan Hiranandani.
Dubey alleges that Hiranandani utilized this access to submit questions in Moitra’s name in Parliament.
Furthermore, Dubey asserts that Moitra received a sum of Rs 2 crore in cash from Hiranandani in exchange for posing these questions.
According to Dubey’s complaint, Moitra posed approximately 50 questions in Parliament that were aligned with the business interests of Hiranandani and his company.
He also alleges that Moitra received Rs 75 lakh from the businessman before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Moitra has dismissed Jai Anant Dehadrai as her “jilted ex (boyfriend),” hinting at a personal vendetta between the two.
Moitra and Dehadrai are embroiled in a legal dispute over the custody of their pet Rottweiler named Henry.
Last year, Mahua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha due to alleged “unethical conduct.”
However, she has challenged her expulsion in the Supreme Court.
Despite these challenges, the Trinamool Congress has nominated her to contest from the Krishnanagar constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
