TMC's Mahua Moitra booked by CBI in Cash-for-query on Lokpal’s direction

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), acting already on the advice of the Probity Ombudsman Lokpal, filed a formal complaint (FIR) on Thursday in the cash-for-query case against Mahua Moitra, a former TMC MP, according to sources.

It should be recalled that the Lokpal directed the CBI to file a case against her and look into the matter after the agency's preliminary investigation findings into accusations against Moitra made by BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey were received.

After looking into every facet of the accusations made against her in the case, the Lokpal had instructed the CBI to present its findings to it within six months. It had also remarked that the CBI ought to submit reports every month on the progress of the inquiry, the New Indian Express reported.

In December of last year, Moitra was removed from the Lok Sabha due to "unethical conduct." The former MP is running for the TMC again, this time from the West Bengal Lok Sabha constituency of Krishnanagar. She has filed a petition challenging her expulsion in the Supreme Court.

Dubey also claimed that Moitra targeted billionaire Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by mounting an attack in the Lok Sabha in return for money and presents from businessman Darshan Hiranandani, headquartered in Dubai. However, Moitra has refuted all accusations thus far.

The Lokpal in ruling had said that “allegations levelled against the RPS (Respondent Public Servant), most of which are supported by cogent evidence, are 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. This is vital in view of the position and status held by the RPS at the relevant point of time,” said the order of the Lokpal bench, comprising Justice Abhilasha Kumari (judicial member) and members Archana Ramasundaram and Mahender Singh.

Regardless of the position held, a public servant is required to exercise probity when carrying out their duties, it had stated.

Accordingly, “we direct 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,” the Lokpal order read.