look news india
The CBI on Thursday registered an FIR against former Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the cash-for-query case, officials said. CBI's action was taken on the instructions of the Anti-Corruption Ombudsman.
The Lokpal has issued directions to the CBI after receiving the findings of the agency's preliminary investigation into the allegations made by BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey against Moitra.
The Lokpal had directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to submit its findings in the matter within six months after examining all aspects of the complaints against it. The Lok Sabha had expelled Moitra in December last year for “immoral conduct”.
The former MP has challenged her expulsion in the Supreme Court and will again contest as TMC candidate from Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal during the general elections. Dubey has alleged that Moitra asked questions in the Lok Sabha in exchange for cash and gifts from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani to attack industrialist Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others.
Moitra has denied all the allegations. The Ombudsman found that “the allegations made against the RPS (respondent public servant), most of which are supported by solid evidence, are of extremely serious nature, especially considering his position.” “Therefore, in our considered opinion, a deeper investigation is required to establish the truth. This is important considering the status and position of the RPS at the relevant time,” said the order of the Lokpal bench, comprising Justice Abhilasha Kumari (judicial member) and members Archana Ramasundaram and Mahendra Singh.
It states that a public servant is bound to maintain integrity in the discharge of his duties, irrespective of the post he holds. “The responsibility and burden is more on the shoulders of a public representative. Corruption is a disease which is adversely affecting the legislative, administrative, social and economic functioning of this democratic country.”
Accordingly, “We direct the CBI…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.” It said that the CBI will file monthly reports regarding the status of the investigation.