Cash-for-query Case: Lokpal Directs CBI To Probe Allegations Against Mahua Moitra

The Lokpal on Tuesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra under Prevention of Corruption Act and investigate allegations under the cash for query case.

“Accordingly, we direct the CBI, under Section 20(3)(a) 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. The CBI shall also file periodical reports regarding the status of the investigation, every month,” the Lokpal’s order reads.

Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court had denied interim relief to the TMC leader in connection to the cash for query case.

Moitra had approached the court to restrain BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and lawyer Jai Anand Dehradai from making statements against her in regard to the said case.

On December 20, 2023 the HC had reserved its order on the interim application after hearing the counsel for Moitra, Dubey and Dehadrai.

The expelled Lok Sabha member in her plea — filed October, 2023 — had sought permission to injunction against Dubey, Dehadrai, social media platforms X, search engine Google, YouTube and 15 media houses from making, publishing, circulating per se defamatory, ex facie false and malicious statements against her.

Dubey had accused Moitra of asking questions in Lok Sabha to target the Adani group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for gifts.

Citing a letter he received from advocate Dehadrai, Dubey said the latter shared with him “irrefutable” evidence of bribes allegedly having been paid to the TMC leader by the businessman.

The BJP MP also accused Moitra of compromising national security for monetary gains.

However, Moitra had denied any wrongdoing while claiming that she was being targeted because she raised questions on the deals of the Adani group.

The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, based on allegations against Moitra, had suggested that she be removed from the Lower House. Moitra was expelled on December 8, 2023.