CBI seeks Lok Sabha Ethics Panel report on Mahua Moitra to move on its probe

The agency was approached by Lokpal on the cash-for-query allegations against the TMC leader expelled from Parliament

TMC MP Mahua Moitra (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

The CBI has approached the Lok Sabha Secretariat to get the Ethics Committee report that had recommended the expulsion of Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra from Parliament on cash-for-query charges, to proceed with its investigation.

Sources in the Lok Sabha Secretariat, however, said they are yet to take a decision on the request.

“The CBI has written to the Secretariat seeking a copy of the Ethics Committee report. We will look into it. We have not made a decision yet,” a source said.

Story continues below this ad

The CBI is conducting an inquiry into a complaint sent by the Lokpal to it on the allegations against Moitra. If the Lok Sabha Secretariat forwards to the CBI the Ethics Committee report giving sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act to probe charges against Moitra, the CBI can register an FIR and go ahead with a probe into the “criminal conduct” of the TMC leader.

Also Read | Dog Henry to fireworks: All that went down in the Ethics Committee inquiry of Mahua Moitra

The Lok Sabha had approved the Ethics Committee report in its Winter Session, recommending Moitra’s expulsion on the grounds of “unethical conduct” and “serious misdemeanours”. The committee also recommended an “intense, legal, institutional inquiry” by the government in a time-bound manner in view of the “highly objectionable, unethical, heinous and criminal conduct” by her.

The allegations had been raised by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla claiming Moitra may have taken bribes to protect the interests of the Hiranandani business group. He wrote another letter to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urging him to investigate the IP addresses of Moitra’s login credentials to the Lok Sabha website to check if these had been accessed by someone else.

Opposition parties have questioned the Ethics Committee findings, saying in their dissent notes that the panel conducted its probe in “unseemly haste” and with “complete lack of propriety”.

Story continues below this ad

In an interview to The Indian Express, Moitra had admitted that she gave her Parliament login and password details to Hiranandani but denied taking any cash from him.

Liz Mathew

Have been in journalism covering national politics for 23 years. Have covered six consecutive Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls in almost all the states. Currently writes on ruling BJP. Always loves to understand what's cooking in the national politics (And ventures into the act only in kitchen at home). ... Read More

Yogi Adityanath, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, police lathicharge, police lathicharge students, Indian express news, current affairs

In a major step, UP prohibits caste-based political rallies, public signs

Cities2 hr ago

Uttar Pradesh government bans caste-based political rallies and markings, stressing on national unity and inclusive system. The ruling BJP and opposition to be affected ahead of assembly elections. Chief Secretary orders action against those inciting conflict through caste-based displays and protests.

View all shorts

Live Blog