Cash-for-query allegation: CBI initiates probe against Mahua Moitra

NEW DELHI: The CBI has started a preliminary investigation against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra in connection with the cash-for-query row. The CBI complaint in the case had been filed by Jai Anant Dehadrai, a Supreme Court lawyer, who had alleged that Ms Moitra had taken bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to ask questions in Parliament.. An FIR may be registered if the complaint against Mahua is found to have merit.

Earlier, the Parliamentary Ethics Committee and the Lokpal had recommended that the complaint against Mahua should be investigated by central investigative agencies. Mahua has been accused of raising questions in Parliament for businessman Darshan Hiranandani to defame the Adani Group. Mahua had earlier admitted that he had handed over the login ID and password to Darshan Hiranandani to upload the questions.

Mahua, who appeared before the Parliamentary Ethics Committee on allegations of cash for query, boycotted the hearing before the proceedings were completed.