The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has presented its report to the Lokpal regarding the alleged cash-for-query scam involving Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani, as stated by officials on Monday, 28 July.

The agency filed an FIR on 21 March 2024 against Moitra and Hiranandani under the Prevention of Corruption Act, following a reference from the Lokpal.

It was claimed that Moitra engaged in corrupt activities, which included accepting bribes and other improper benefits from Hiranandani in exchange for “compromising her parliamentary privileges and posing national security risks by disclosing her Lok Sabha login credentials”.

The agency has forwarded its findings in this matter to the Lokpal, which will determine the next steps to be taken, according to officials.

Moitra, who represented the Krishnanagar constituency in the previous Lok Sabha, was expelled from the House in December 2023 for “unethical conduct”, a decision she is contesting in the Supreme Court.

She successfully defeated her opponent, BJP’s Amrita Roy, in the 2024 general elections, thereby retaining her position in the 18th Lok Sabha.

The Lokpal, which serves as the anti-corruption ombudsman, directed the CBI to take action after reviewing the results of its preliminary investigation into the allegations made against Moitra by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.

Dubey alleged that Moitra solicited questions in the House in return for cash and gifts from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani, aiming to launch an attack on industrialist Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others.