Lok Sabha Ethics Committee Seeks Mahua Moitra's Travel, Login Details After First Hearing In 'Cash-For-Query' Case

The parliamentary Ethics Committee, which initiated an inquiry into allegations of "cash for query" against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra, has requested her login and travel information, NDTV reported.

The committee conducted its inaugural hearing on Thursday (26 October) and is seeking to validate claims that Moitra permitted businessman Darshan Hiranandani to use her parliamentary login to submit questions directly to the Lok Sabha.

The Ethics Committee has reached out to the Union IT and Home ministries for access to Mahua Moitra's login and location records. The accusations against her involve allegations that she received money to raise questions in parliament on behalf of the businessman, purportedly with the aim of targeting the government and the Adani Group.

The panel has also contacted the Ministry of External Affairs to confirm the authenticity of an affidavit by Darshan Hiranandani, who is situated in Dubai.

In his affidavit, Hiranandani alleged that Mahua Moitra shared her Lok Sabha e-mail ID with him, allowing him to send her information for the purpose of criticizing the Adani Group and raising questions in parliament. He claimed that she later provided him with her login credentials so he could post questions directly.

The Ethics Committee has stated that it will not call any further witnesses after hearing from Mahua Moitra and intends to submit its report at the beginning of November.

During a lengthy three-hour hearing, the committee listened to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai, discussing the allegations they have made against the Trinamool MP.

Nishikant Dubey initially wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to launch the investigation, following a complaint from Dehadrai to the Supreme Court.

Dehadrai, whom Moitra referred to as a "jilted ex," alleges having "irrefutable evidence" of Darshan Hiranandani providing bribes to the Trinamool leader in exchange for asking questions critical of the Adani Group.

Moitra has vehemently denied all allegations and has expressed her willingness to address the committee's inquiries.