The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is gearing up to register an FIR against former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation revolves around allegations of quid pro quo involving businessman Darshan Hiranandani.
The Lokpal, after reviewing a preliminary inquiry report filed by the CBI, has ordered the registration of a case against Moitra. The Lokpal bench, headed by Justice Abhilasha Kumari, found sufficient grounds to probe the serious allegations against the former MP. The order mandates a deeper investigation into the allegations, emphasizing the importance of upholding probity in public service.
The allegations against Moitra include endangering national security by sharing Parliament credentials with Hiranandani, receiving a substantial sum of cash in Indian and foreign currencies purportedly in exchange for asking questions in Parliament, and accepting various favors from Hiranandani, including the redesigning of her MP bungalow and luxury gifts. Additionally, it is alleged that Moitra helped Hiranandani’s business interests by posing questions in Parliament that favored him.
While Moitra has admitted to sharing her MP credentials with Hiranandani and accepting gifts from him, she denies the bribery allegations.
The CBI’s preliminary enquiry found merit in the accusation that Moitra unlawfully shared her Parliament credentials. However, the investigation did not yield substantial evidence regarding the bribery allegations. Further investigation is deemed necessary to ascertain the truth.
Hiranandani, in his affidavit to the CBI, claimed that Moitra frequently made demands and sought favors from him, which he fulfilled to maintain her support. These favors allegedly included expensive gifts, financial support for renovations, and logistical assistance for her travels.
Regarding the renovation of Moitra’s official bungalow, the CBI found evidence of payments made by Hiranandani. However, it requires further investigation to determine if this favor was connected to the sharing of Moitra’s MP credentials.
The CBI has been tasked with completing its probe within six months and providing monthly progress updates to the Lokpal.
