The Lokpal, India’s apex anti-corruption ombudsman, has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct an in-depth investigation into the allegations against Mahua Moitra, a former member of the Lok Sabha. The directive mandates the CBI to unravel the truth behind the accusations and report its findings within a six-month timeframe.
The judgment by the Lokpal highlighted the gravity of the allegations against Moitra, noting that the charges, bolstered by significant evidence, necessitate a thorough examination. “The allegations leveled against the respondent public servant are extremely serious in nature, especially considering the position she held,” the Lokpal stated in its judgment. This decision underscores the Lokpal’s commitment to maintaining integrity and transparency in public service.
The Lokpal has mandated the CBI to not only investigate the allegations thoroughly but also to provide monthly updates on the progress of the investigation. The genesis of the inquiry traces back to a complaint filed by another Lok Sabha member, which was based on serious allegations outlined in a letter by Supreme Court advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai.
The complaint, scrutinized by the Lokpal’s full bench on November 8, 2023, initially led to a directive for a preliminary CBI inquiry, with a report due in six weeks. However, due to the complexity of the case, the CBI sought a three-month extension, which the Lokpal approved only until February 15, 2024.
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The preliminary findings by the CBI, detailed in a voluminous 1,500-page report, brought to light concerning allegations. One such accusation involved Moitra allegedly sharing her Lok Sabha member portal login credentials with Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani. This act reportedly allowed Hiranandani to post parliamentary questions in Moitra’s name while she was abroad.
Furthermore, the investigation uncovered allegations of Moitra receiving extravagant gifts, travel accommodations, and other luxuries from Hiranandani. These perks were purportedly in exchange for support in renovating her official bungalow in New Delhi. The Lokpal, after reviewing the CBI’s preliminary report, found these charges to be prima facie substantiated, adding further weight to the need for an exhaustive investigation.
