ED files money laundering case against TMC leader Mahua Moitra in cash-for-query scam

Ahead of the 18th Lok Sabha polls, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case against TMC leader Mahua Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani in connection with an alleged cash-for-queries scam case, official sources said on Tuesday. The probe agency filed the enforcement case information report (ECIR), the ED equivalent of a police FIR, against the two, taking cognisance of a CBI complaint, news agency PTI reported quoting its sources. The said ED case was registered two-three days ago.

The development comes after Moitra missed ED summons that asked her to appear for questioning at the New Delhi office. The TMC leader has missed a total of three summons by the probe agency.

Apart from ED, Moitra has also been under the lens of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) who raided her premises in connection with the cash-for-query case after anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal directed the federal agency to investigate the allegations levelled against her by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.


Moitra who has been renominated by her party from West Bengal's Krishnanagar seat was expelled as a Member of Parliament (MP) on December 8 following the Ethics Panel's determination of her guilt in the 'cash-for-query' case.

Moitra has embroiled in controversy since Dubey accused her of asking questions in the Lower House of the Parliament to target the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for gifts. Dubey had also accused Moitra of compromising national security for monetary gains.

In hopes for relief, Moitra has also approached the Supreme Court, challenging her expulsion from the lower house of Parliament in connection with the 'cash-for-query' allegations.

(with agency inputs)