Cash Found on Congress MP’s Seat in Rajya Sabha, Probe Ordered
New Delhi: A high-level investigation has been launched after a bundle of cash was discovered on the Rajya Sabha seat of Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The ₹50,000 in ₹500 denominations was found during a routine anti-sabotage check after the House was adjourned on Thursday evening.
Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressing the MPs this morning, revealed that the cash was recovered from seat number 222, allocated to Mr. Singhvi, who represents Telangana. Emphasizing the seriousness of the matter, Mr. Dhankhar announced that the probe would be conducted by a committee comprising members from security agencies, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, and senior MPs.
Watch: Vice President and Rajya Sabha Speaker Jagdeep Dhankhar says, “I inform you that during the routine anti-sabotage check of the chamber, after the adjournment of the house yesterday, a bundle of currency notes was recovered by security officials from seat number 222,… pic.twitter.com/Uvp4uAGyKR
— IANS (@ians_india) December 6, 2024
My short statement in English to some journalists. pic.twitter.com/k0i4KukJMw
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) December 6, 2024
Reacting to the incident, Mr. Singhvi categorically denied any connection to the cash. “I carry just one ₹500 note when I come to the Rajya Sabha. This is the first time I am hearing of such an incident,” he said, adding that he was in the House for just three minutes yesterday and then spent 30 minutes in the canteen before leaving. Calling the incident “bizarre,” he suggested securing MPs’ seats to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The discovery sparked heated exchanges in the Rajya Sabha. BJP president JP Nadda and other leaders criticized the incident, calling it an affront to the dignity of the Upper House. Union Minister Sudhanshu Trivedi noted that the Chairman waited for someone to claim the money before making the matter public, but no one stepped forward.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the inquiry but expressed concern over naming Mr. Singhvi before the investigation concluded. He urged the Chair to ensure fairness in the probe.
The incident has raised questions about security and decorum within the House, with both opposition and treasury benches engaging in a heated debate over the matter.
