Enforcement Directorate Launches Money Laundering Probe Against Moitra and Hiranandani in Cash-for-Query Accusation

ED files money laundering case in cash-for-query allegation against Moitra, Hiranandani. This comes after the ED received a complaint from the CBI and filed an enforcement case information report (ECIR), similar to a police FIR. The money laundering case was registered a few days ago, and both Moitra and Hiranandani have been summoned for questioning regarding the cash-for-query allegation against them.

The cash-for-query investigation, conducted by ED under the civil sections of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), involves an alleged corruption scandal involving Moitra and Hiranandani. Despite this, none of them has appeared for questioning, citing official engagements. Previously, the CBI had conducted searches at Moitra's premises in connection with the case after filing an FIR. Moitra, a former TMC MP from Krishnanagar seat in West Bengal, has been renominated by the Trinamool Congress to contest in the upcoming general elections.

The CBI initiated an FIR against Hiranandani and Moitra on the directions of Lokpal, which instructed the agency to submit its report within six months. In December, Moitra faced expulsion from Lok Sabha due to "unethical conduct," a ruling she has contested in the Supreme Court. The Lokpal instructed the CBI to investigate based on findings from a preliminary inquiry into allegations made by BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey against Moitra.

Dubey alleged that Moitra accepted gifts and cash from Hiranandani in exchange for raising questions in Lok Sabha to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani, among others. The investigation into this matter continues as authorities work to uncover the truth behind the allegations.