CBI Raids TMC Leader Mahua Moitra’s Kolkata Home in Cash-for-Query Scam Probe

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out raids at the residence of Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra in Kolkata today as part of the ongoing investigation into the cash-for-query scandal. The search comes following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Moitra by the CBI.

Mahua Moitra, who was expelled from the Lok Sabha back in December, had been recommended for removal by an ethics committee after allegations surfaced that she had accepted bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for posing critical questions regarding the Narendra Modi government during parliamentary sessions.

Recently, the Lokpal directed the CBI to delve into the accusations against Moitra and furnish a detailed report within six months. The anti-corruption body also mandated that the CBI provide monthly updates regarding the progress of the investigation.

The probe intensified with searches at various locations linked to Moitra, including her parental abode in Kolkata and her party office in Krishnanagar. Moitra, who is slated to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Krishnanagar constituency in Nadia district, remained inaccessible for comments amid the CBI operations.

Notably, Moitra’s father, DL Moitra, owns the flat in Ratnabali apartment in south Kolkata where the searches were conducted. The investigation unfolded against the backdrop of the Model Code of Conduct in force following the election schedule announcement, prompting the Trinamool Congress to accuse the BJP of leveraging central agencies out of political vendetta.

In response to the raids, TMC MP Santanu Sen criticized the BJP for resorting to such tactics and alleged that the ruling party was apprehensive of the people’s mandate in the impending polls. Moitra, who has consistently refuted the bribery allegations but admitted sharing her parliamentary login credentials, is currently challenging her expulsion from the Lok Sabha in the Supreme Court.