According to official sources, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a money laundering investigation against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani regarding an alleged cash-for-queries scam case. The federal agency has filed an enforcement case information report (ECIR), which is equivalent to a police FIR, based on a complaint from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 

The ED registered the case two to three days ago. The agency has been investigating both individuals under the civil provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Moitra and Dubai-based businessman Hiranandani have been summoned by the ED for questioning in this matter. However, they have not yet appeared for questioning, citing official commitments. 

Last month, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at properties linked to Mahua Moitra, a former TMC MP representing the Krishnanagar seat in West Bengal, following the filing of an FIR. Moitra, who has been renominated by the TMC under the leadership of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, was subject to these searches. 

CBI officials disclosed that the FIR against Moitra and Hiranandani was registered on the direction of the Lokpal, which has mandated the agency to submit its report within six months. 

In December 2023, Mahua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha by the Speaker due to "unethical conduct". Moitra has contested her expulsion in the Supreme Court. 

Following a preliminary inquiry into allegations made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey against Moitra, the Lokpal has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take action. 

Dubey accused Moitra of accepting cash and gifts from Hiranandani in exchange for asking questions in the Lok Sabha to criticise industrialist Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others.  The FIR, filed on March 21, accuses Moitra and Hiranandani of "criminal conspiracy" as well as offenses related to bribery of public servants and abetment. 

Image Source: Mid-day