• CBI starts investigation into Mahua Moitra's Cash-for-Query Scandal

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    CBI starts investigation into Mahua Moitra's Cash-for-Query Scandal
    The CBI has launched a preliminary investigation (PE) into Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra's cash-for-query...

    Digital Desk: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a preliminary investigation (PE) against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Saturday in connection with the cash-for-query accusations.

    The central investigation agency has opened a preliminary investigation into Lokpal's orders.

    The CBI investigation was launched against Moitra in response to a charge filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who accused the TMC leader of accepting a bribe from a businessman in exchange for "asking questions in Parliament."

    Earlier, Dubey stated that Lokpal "ordered a CBI investigation against accused Mahua Moitra for indulging in corruption at the expense of national security" on November 8.

    In his complaint, Dubey accused Moitra of using the Lok Sabha to ask questions on the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the request of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for presents.

    The CBI complaint in the case was submitted by Supreme Court advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, who claimed that Ms Moitra had accepted money from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to ask questions in Parliament.

    Mr Dehadrai additionally wrote to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, and Speaker Om Birla reported the subject to the Ethics Committee based on Mr Dubey's allegation. Mr Dubey had also complained to the Lokpal.

    The CBI action came two days after West Bengal President Minister and Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee broke her silence on the scandal, saying that expulsion from the Lok Sabha based on the Ethics Committee's recommendations would help Ms Moitra's chances.