The CBI has moved the Lokpal for sanction to prosecute TMC MP Mahua Moitra over alleged cash-for-query allegations. According to the Lokpal order accessed by Times Now, there is “credible material and evidence to prosecute Mahua Moitra”.
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally moved the Lokpal seeking sanction to prosecute Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra in connection with the alleged ‘cash-for-query’ scam, according to documents accessed by Times Now.
The Lokpal order, which includes the recommendations and conclusions of the CBI report submitted on June 30, 2025, states there is “credible material & evidence to prosecute Mahua Moitra”.
Probe into ‘Cash-for-query’, Times Now accesses Lokpal order
The Lokpal order carries:
Recommendations & conclusions of the CBI report submitted to Lokpal on June 30, 2025
– ‘Credible material & evidence to prosecute Mahua Moitra’ @bhavatoshsingh and @roypranesh… pic.twitter.com/ujkZK32JYC
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) September 19, 2025
The probe stems from allegations initially raised by BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey, who accused Mahua of soliciting cash and gifts from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani in return for raising parliamentary questions targeting industrialist Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mahua has vehemently denied these claims, calling them baseless.
In March 2024, acting on Lokpal directives, the CBI filed an FIR against Mahua Moitra. The Lokpal had instructed the agency to investigate all facets of the complaints comprehensively within six months, following its preliminary review of the allegations.
After careful consideration, the Lokpal deemed the allegations grave and supported by substantial evidence, emphasising the need for thorough investigation due to Mahua’s former position and status. The Lokpal bench, comprising Justice Abhilasha Kumari, Archana Ramasundaram, and Mahender Singh, highlighted “the importance of probity in public office and the detrimental effects of corruption on democratic functioning.”
