Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Lokpal Orders CBI to Chargesheet Mahua Moitra in 'Cash for Query' Case
Imagine a Member of Parliament (MP) named Mahua was given a special computer login to ask questions in Parliament.
Investigators say she gave this special login, including a secret code, to a businessman named Darshan.
The businessman then allegedly used her login to ask questions in Parliament that helped his business.
Investigators also claim Mahua received gifts and help with her home renovation from this businessman.
The Lokpal, a watchdog for corruption, has now told the police to officially accuse Mahua and the businessman of breaking the law.
They believe this was a serious issue, like a security problem, because it involved Parliament's computer system and could have affected national security.
This is the beginning of a legal process against Mahua, who has said she is being targeted unfairly.
Lokpal has directed the CBI to file a chargesheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani.
The case, termed 'cash for query' scandal, involves allegations of Moitra sharing her Lok Sabha login credentials, including OTP access, with Hiranandani.
Investigators claim Hiranandani used Moitra's login to post parliamentary questions aligned with his business interests.
The Lokpal's order cites 'national-security implications' due to the alleged breach of cyber-security protocols.
Moitra allegedly received benefits such as a flight ticket and luxury gifts from Hiranandani in return for her actions.
- Who
- Lokpal directing CBI, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, and businessman Darshan Hiranandani
- What
- Directs CBI to file a chargesheet and initiate prosecution against Mahua Moitra in the 'cash for query' scandal for allegedly sharing Lok Sabha login credentials with businessman Darshan Hiranandani.
- When
- Order issued on November 14; CBI has four weeks to file chargesheet.
- Where
- Parliament of India (Lok Sabha)
- Why
- Allegations of sharing confidential Lok Sabha login credentials and OTP access with Darshan Hiranandani, enabling him to post parliamentary questions aligned with his business interests, in exchange for alleged benefits, constituting a breach of cyber-security and national security protocols.
- Accused
- Mahua Moitra, Darshan Hiranandani
- Allegation
- Cash for Query / Sharing Lok Sabha login credentials
- Investigating Body
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Oversight Body
- Lokpal
- Complaint Origin
- BJP MP Nishikant Dubey
- Alleged Benefits for Moitra
- Business class flight ticket, luxury gifts, architectural/design services