Lokpal orders CBI enquiry against Mahua Moitra for alleged corruption
The Lokpal, the nation’s premier anti-corruption watchdog, has mandated the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a rigorous inquiry into allegations of cash-for-query involving All India Trinamool Congress leader and former Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra.
The directive underscores the existence of substantial prima facie evidence necessitating a thorough investigation.
Incidentally, this Lokpal order comes just a few days after the announcement of Moitra’s name as the Trinamool Congress candidate from the Krishnanagar parliamentary constituency in Bengal in the general election.
She had to resign as the MP from this constituency late last year after being expelled for allegedly asking questions in Parliament in exchange for cash and other gifts from business magnate Darshan Hiranandani. She had alleged highly biased behaviour by the Lok Sabha panel dominated by BJP MPs which investigated her and issued the order for expulsion.
The Lokpal has stipulated a strict timeline of six months for the CBI to complete examination of all facets of the allegations against Moitra, with monthly progress reports to be filed.
Emphasising the legal ramifications of unethical behaviour, the Lokpal’s order underscores the imperative for a meticulous investigation.
Despite Moitra’s assertions to the contrary, the Lokpal bench, comprising judicial member Abhilasha Kumari (former Manipur High Court chief justice), Archana Ramasundaram and Mahender Singh, reiterates the heightened obligation of public servants, particularly elected officials, to uphold the highest standards of probity in their official capacities.
