New Delhi, Mar 28: Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has decided to forego the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons scheduled for today regarding a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violation case related to the cash-for-query scam.
Moitra, contesting the Lok Sabha election from Krishnanagar, has informed the central probe agency of her inability to appear before them due to her engagement in her constituency for ongoing election campaigning.
The 49-year-old former MP had previously been called for questioning twice by the central agency but did not depose, citing official duties, and sought a deferral of the notice.
On Wednesday, the ED issued fresh summons to Moitra and Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani to appear before them today. The agency aims to question Moitra under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999 and record her statement linked to the case.
Additionally, Moitra is under scrutiny by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is conducting a preliminary inquiry into allegations against her based on a reference from the Lokpal.
Moitra has faced controversy since BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused her of targeting the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha questions at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani, in exchange for gifts. Dubey further alleged that Moitra compromised national security for monetary gains.
Following the Ethics Panel’s determination of her guilt in the ‘cash-for-query’ case, Moitra was expelled as a Lok Sabha Member of Parliament on December 8. Moitra has denied any wrongdoing and claimed she was targeted for questioning the deals of the Adani Group.
Moitra has also challenged her expulsion from the lower house of Parliament in connection with the ‘cash-for-query’ allegations in the Supreme Court.
