News Brief
Nayan Dwivedi
Mar 23, 2024, 11:46 AM | Updated 11:46 AM IST
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting searches at TMC leader Mahua Moitra's residences and other places in Kolkata in connection with an alleged cash-for-query case, as reported by news agency ANI.
The action follows the registration of an FIR against former Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra by the CBI on Thursday (21 March), prompted by directives from the anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal.
The probe stems from allegations of impropriety related to cash-for-queries.
Lokpal had instructed the CBI earlier in the week to investigate the accusations against Moitra and submit a report within six months, along with monthly status updates on the investigation's progress.
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“After careful evaluation and consideration of the entire material on record, there remains no doubt regarding the fact that the allegations leveled against the Respondent Public Servant (RPS), most of which are supported by cogent evidence, are extremely serious in nature, especially in view of the position held by her," Lokpal had said.
"Therefore, in our considered opinion, a deeper probe is required to establish the truth," Lokpal added.
Expelled from the Lok Sabha in December last year, Moitra faced removal following accusations of accepting bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for posing critical questions about the Modi government in Parliament.
Additionally, she was accused of sharing confidential log-in credentials for the parliamentary website, allegedly to facilitate Hiranandani's direct posting of questions.
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Nayan Dwivedi is Staff Writer at Swarajya.