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Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and former Lok Sabha MP, Mahua Moitra, has been served fresh summons by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a FEMA contravention case. The 49-year-old politician, previously granted a few weeks’ extension, is now directed to appear before the federal probe agency on March 11. ED officials aim to record Moitra’s statement under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) provisions during the scheduled deposition.
The investigation centers around transactions linked to a Non-Resident External (NRE) account, along with scrutiny of other foreign remittances and fund transfers. ED sources have indicated a keen interest in probing these financial activities, suggesting potential irregularities.
Simultaneously, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting a preliminary inquiry into allegations against Moitra. The probe was initiated following a reference from the Lokpal based on accusations made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. Dubey alleged that Moitra targeted the Adani group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani, receiving gifts in return. Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December over these allegations.
Despite the allegations, Moitra vehemently denies any wrongdoing, asserting that she is being targeted for raising questions about the Adani group’s deals. In a statement, she challenged the expulsion from the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that neither Lok Pal nor CBI had officially communicated any findings. Moitra had also approached the Supreme Court, contesting her expulsion in connection with the ‘cash-for-query’ allegations.
