NEW DELHI: The probity ombudsman Lokpal on Tuesday issued an order asking he Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register a case under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) against TMC leader Mahua Moitra and probe the allegations of cash-for query in Lok Sabha against her.
The Lokpal’s directive to the CBI has come, as the ombudsman decided on the complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who has alleged that Moitra had asked questions in the Lower House of Parliament in exchange for cash and gifts from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani.
In the order the Lokpal said, “After careful evaluation and consideration of the entire material on record, we direct the CBI, under Section 20(3)(a) 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 CBI shall also file periodical reports regarding the status of the investigation, every month.”
The ombudsman further said that there remained “no doubt” regarding the fact that the 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”.
In the order the Lokpal referred to Moitra as the RPS in the order, as it said, “Therefore, in our considered opinion, a deeper probe is required to establish the truth.”
The order has been issued by a Lokpal bench comprising Justice Abhilasha Kumari (judicial member) and Members Archana Ramasundaram and Mahender Singh.
It also said whatever be the position held, a public servant is bound to exercise probity in the discharge of his or her duties. “The responsibility and burden are heavier on the shoulders of a public representative. Corruption is a malaise that is adversely affecting the legislative, administrative, social and economic functioning of this democratic country,” it noted.
“It is a duty cast upon us and, indeed, the mandate of the (Lokpal) Act, that all attempts be made to root out corruption and corrupt practises that bring under their fold aspects such as undue advantage, illegal gain or benefit and quid pro quo in the discharge of public duties,” the Lokpal bench observed.
Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court had denied interim relief to the TMC leader in connection to the cash for query case. She had approached the court to restrain BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and lawyer Jai Anand Dehradai from making statements against her in regard to the said case.
Dubey had alleged that Moitra asked questions in Lok Sabha targeting the Adani group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for gifts.
Citing a letter he received from advocate Dehadrai, Dubey said the latter shared with him “irrefutable” evidence of bribes allegedly having been paid to the TMC leader by the businessman and accused Moitra of compromising national security for monetary gains.
However, Moitra had denied any wrongdoing while claiming that she was being targeted because she raised questions on the deals of the Adani group.
Following allegations levelled against Moitra the Speaker Lok Sabha referred the matter to the Ethics Committee of the House, which had recommended that she should be removed from the Lower House and thus she was expelled on December 8, 2023.