CBI conducts searches at premises of Mahua Moitra

The CBI on Saturday conducted searches on the premises of former TMC MP Mahua Moitra in multiple locations, including Kolkata, in connection with the alleged cash-for-query case, officials said.Teams of the central probe agency reached Moitra's residence in Kolkata and other cities early on Saturday, informed about the search proceedings and started the operation, they said.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR against the former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP on Thursday on the directives of the Lokpal, which has instructed the agency to file a report within six months, they said.
The CBI on Thursday registered an FIR against Mahua Moitra over the scandal. The action was taken after directions from the Lokpal.The Lokpal has asked the CBI to probe the allegations and submit a report within six months. It also asked the agency to file periodical reports every month.In December, however, Mahua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha for "unethical conduct".Mahua Moitra has challenged her expulsion in the Supreme Court.
Mahua Moitra is accused of accepting bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in return for asking his questions in the Parliament. She is also accused of sharing her parliamentary login-credentials with the businessman.Mahua Moitra has denied accepting bribes. She claimed she had shared the credentials to have the businessman's staff type out her parliamentary queries on the official portal.Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has fielded Mahua as the party's Lok Sabha candidate from West Bengal's Krishnanagar seat.