In New Delhi, Lokpal has mandated the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to scrutinize all facets of the accusations lodged against Trinamool Congress luminary and former MP Mahua Moitra in the ‘cash for query’ imbroglio.
Lokpal has instructed the CBI to delve into the accusations pursuant to Section 20(3)(a) and furnish a dossier within six months. Additionally, the CBI has been directed to submit periodic updates on the progress of the inquiry every month.
In its directive, Lokpal remarked, “Upon thorough scrutiny and contemplation of the entire corpus of evidence, there exists unequivocal gravity surrounding the allegations leveled against the Respondent Public Servant (RPS), many of which are substantiated by compelling evidence, and are of a profoundly grave nature, particularly considering her official position. Consequently, we opine that a more exhaustive inquiry is imperative to ascertain the veracity of the claims.”
“We instruct the CBI, pursuant to Section 20(3)(a), to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all allegations proffered in the complaint and furnish a detailed Investigation Report within a span of six months from the date of this directive. Furthermore, the CBI is mandated to provide periodic updates on the progress of the inquiry on a monthly basis,” added the anti-corruption watchdog.
Previously, the CBI had undertaken a preliminary examination into the allegations against Moitra at the behest of Lokpal. Moitra was ousted from the Lok Sabha in December of the preceding year following the adoption of the ethics committee’s report, which found her culpable of the accusations levied against her.
The erstwhile MP has vehemently refuted any impropriety and has asseverated that she is being singled out for scrutiny due to her inquiries into the dealings of the Adani Group. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey lodged a grievance with the Lok Sabha Speaker alleging that Moitra had accepted “pecuniary inducements and gratuities” from entrepreneur Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for “raising queries in Parliament.”
Dubey has welcomed Lokpal’s decree. “Truth Alone Triumphs. Today, the Lokpal, deeming my complaint as meritorious, has directed the CBI to initiate an investigation against Mahua Moitra…,” Nishikant Dubey conveyed via X. Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court dismissed Mahua Moitra’s petition seeking an injunction against Nishikant Dubey and Jai Dehadrai from making allegations in the cash-for-query imbroglio.
