Cash-for-query: Lokpal asks CBI to probe allegation against Mahua Moitra
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New Delhi: The probity ombudsman Lokpal issued an order on Tuesday directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a case against Mahua Moitra, a TMC leader, under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) and look into the claims of cash-for-query in the Lok Sabha.
The ombudsman's decision was on the complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who claimed that Moitra had questioned members of the Lower House of Parliament in exchange for money and gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani of Dubai, the New Indian Express reported.
In the order the Lokpal said, “After careful evaluation and consideration of the entire material on record, 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.”
In addition, the Ombudsman stated that there was still "no doubt" that the accusations made against the Respondent Public Servant (RPS), the majority of which were substantiated by strong evidence, were "extremely serious in nature, especially in view of the position held by her."
"Therefore, in our considered opinion, a deeper probe is required to establish the truth," the Lokpal wrote in the order, referring to Moitra as the RPS.
A Lokpal bench made up of Justice Abhilasha Kumari( judicial member) and Members Archana Ramasundaram, and Mahender Singh, issued the directive.
It further said that a public servant must act honourably in the discharge of their duties, regardless of the position they hold. “The responsibility and burden are heavier on the shoulders of a public representative. Corruption is a malaise that is adversely affecting the legislative, administrative, social and economic functioning of this democratic country,” it noted.
“It is a duty cast upon us and, indeed, the mandate of the (Lokpal) Act, that all attempts be made to root out corruption and corrupt practises that bring under their fold aspects such as undue advantage, illegal gain or benefit and quid pro quo in the discharge of public duties,” the Lokpal bench observed.
The TMC leader was refused interim relief in the cash for query case earlier this month by the Delhi High Court. In relation to the aforementioned matter, she had petitioned the court to prevent BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and attorney Jai Anand Dehradai from making statements disparaging her.
Dubey had previously claimed that Moitra had questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Adani group in the Lok Sabha at the request of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for gifts.
Referencing a correspondence he obtained from advocate Dehadrai, Dubey stated that the latter presented him with “irrefutable” proof of purported payments given to the TMC leader by the businessman, and charged Moitra of jeopardising national security for gain.
However, Moitra had denied any wrongdoing while stating that she was being targeted because she raised concerns about the deals of the Adani group.
After accusations were made against Moitra, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha forwarded the case to the House Ethics Committee, which recommended that she be expelled from the Lower House. On December 8, 2023, Moitra was removed from the House.