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The Central Bureau of investigation (CBI) is all set to register an FIR against former MP from Trinamool Congress (TMC) Mahua Moitra under the Prevention of Corruption Act for alleged quid pro quo with businessman Darshan Hiranandani. It is also likely to carry out searches at various locations connected to the former MP as part of its probe.
The Lokpal has ordered CBI to register a case after prima facie finding enough ground to probe the charges against the former MP. “After careful evaluation and consideration of the entire material on record, there remains no doubt regarding the fact that the allegations levelled against the RPM, (Respondent Mahua Moitra), most of which are supported by cogent evidence, are extremely serious in nature, especially in view of the position held by her. Therefore, in our considered opinion, a deeper probe is required to establish the truth,” the Lokpal bench headed by judicial member Justice Abhilasha Kumari and Members Archana Ramasundaram and Mahender Singh said.
The Lokpal order on Tuesday came after perusing the preliminary inquiry report filed by the CBI. The corruption watchdog asked the CBI to file a case under Section 20(3)(a) of the PC Act. The CBI has been asked to complete its probe within six months and apprise the Lokpal monthly about the progress.
The CBI FIR will look into the allegations against Moitra regarding:
Endangering national security: By sharing Parliament credentials with Hiranandani who is based abroad
Bribery: Receiving Rs 2 crore in cash in Indian and Foreign currencies in lieu of asking questions in Parliament
Receiving favours such as Hiranandani getting her MP bungalow redesigned, arranging her transport during her trips abroad, gifting her luxury items
Helping his business by asking 50 out of 61 questions about subjects which affected his interests.
Mahua has admitted that she shared her MP credentials with Hiranandani, and accepted gifts from him. But the former MP has denied the allegations of bribery.
What the CBI Preliminary Enquiry Found?
Illegally Shared Login Credentials
After perusing the CBI Preliminary Enquiry (PE) report, the Lokpal has prima facie found meat in the allegation that Mahua Moitra illegally shared her Parliament credentials with Darshan Hiranandani. “Prima facie the first allegation of sharing MP credentials has been established,” the Lokpal order said. It added, “Whatever be the position held, a public servant is found to exercise probity in the discharge of his/her duties as a public servant. The responsibility and burden are heavier on the shoulders of a public representative. Corruption is a malaise that is adversely affecting the legislative, administrative, social and economic functioning of this democratic country. It is a duty cast upon us and, indeed, the mandate of the Act, that all attempts be made to root out corruption and corrupt practices”.
Gifts Given but Bribery Charge Needs to be Established
The CBI also examined another MP who denied that “a large tranche of cash was delivered at his residence”.
The Lokpal said, “With regard to this allegation, the CBI has submitted that this allegation is not substantiated as sufficient evidence could not be collected due to the limited scope of the inquiry. An investigation is required to unearth the truth of this allegation of a serious nature,” the Lokpal noted.
The CBI also found in its PE that Hiranandani facilitated Moitra’s foreign visits and helped her redesign her official bungalow at Telegraph Lane in Delhi. “It has been revealed during the inquiry that Darshan Hiranandani made the payment for the trip of Moitra from Delhi to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from his credit card. Further, in November 2022, she undertook a journey from New Delhi to the UAE and the payment of Rs 1,69,592 was stated to have been by Darshan Hiranandani from his American Express credit card. The number and self-attested credit card statement has been provided by him. The payment towards air tickets and help in renovating the official bungalow of the RPS was done by Hiranandani. He has also stated that he has gifted her a Hermes scarf in the year 2018 and Bobbi Brown makeup kits,” the CBI said in its PE.
Hiranandani in his affidavit to CBI has also alleged that Moitra “made frequent demands from him and asked for favours which he fulfilled in order to retain his close proximity with her and get her support, as he could ill-afford to displease her”.
He told the CBI that the demands made and favours asked by Moitra included gifting expensive luxury items, providing support for the renovation of her official bungalow in Delhi, travel expenses, holidays and providing logistical and secretarial support for her domestic and foreign travels.
On charges of bribery, the CBI PE, however, did not find any substantial evidence, and said further probe is required.
It was alleged that ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha Election, Mitra was paid Rs 75 lakh in cash. But the Lokpal said, “It is stated in the Preliminary Inquiry Report that in this regard Jai Anand Dehadrai, Advocate, was examined on these allegations made by him, but could not provide any additional or corroborative details”.
Hiranandani Paid for Moitra’s Official Bungalow’s Renovation
The CBI after its PE said Hiranandanani helped Moitra redesign her official bungalow as she was “unhappy” with the work done by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The agency examined the CPWD officials and architects hired by Hiranandani in this regard.
The agency told the Lokpal that though the payment from Hiranandani to the architects is established, it needs further probe to find if this favour was extended around the same time as the sharing of the MP credentials.
“Evidence has come on record that the layout plans were prepared by the in- house team of Hiranandani Construction Private Limited, on instructions of Darshan Hiranandani. It has come on record through the statement of Amol Pawar that in his opinion the market rate of the said designs could be between Rs 2, 59,000 to Rs 3,88,500 at the rate of Rs 100 to 150 per square feet. It is stated in the Preliminary Inquiry Report that around the same time, the portal login credentials were shared by the RPM (Mahua Moitra) with Darshan Hiranandani. Whether the login credentials were shared in lieu of providing various types of assistance and gifts requires deeper Investigation,” the CBI informed the Lokpal.
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