**Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra’s Lawyer Withdraws from Case Amid Controversy Over Dog Custody**
In a surprising twist, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan has withdrawn from the case representing Trinamool Congress member Mahua Moitra in a hearing before the Delhi High Court. This decision came after Ms. Moitra’s estranged partner, advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, complained to the High Court that Mr. Sankaranarayanan contacted him with an unusual proposition.
According to Mr. Dehadrai, Mr. Sankaranarayanan reached out to him on Thursday night and asked him to withdraw his CBI complaint against Ms. Moitra in exchange for custody of their disputed pet dog, Henry. This revelation shocked the High Court, leading them to question Mr. Sankaranarayanan’s suitability as a representative in the case, as he seemed to be acting as a mediator.
The High Court expressed its dismay, prompting Mr. Sankaranarayanan to remove himself from the case. The court then scheduled further hearings on October 31 to address the matter. During the brief hearing, Mr. Dehadrai emphasized the significant conflict of interest arising from Mr. Sankaranarayanan’s actions.
In response, Mr. Sankaranarayanan clarified that he approached Mr. Dehadrai because they had previously worked together. He claimed to have asked Ms. Moitra for permission to discuss the matter with Mr. Dehadrai, and she consented. However, Ms. Moitra finds herself embroiled in a political controversy, as Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey accused her of accepting bribes from a business house to raise questions in Parliament.
Mr. Dubey submitted a complaint to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on October 15, citing a letter from Mr. Dehadrai. The letter accuses Ms. Moitra of breaching privilege, contempt of the house, and committing a criminal offense. Ms. Moitra vehemently denies these allegations.
In her plea filed before the high court, Ms. Moitra is seeking an order for Mr. Dubey and Mr. Dehadrai to publish a retraction and issue an apology in three English, three Hindi, and three Bengali newspapers. She claims that the statements and allegations made by them are false and defamatory. Ms. Moitra also shared that Mr. Dehadrai was a close friend until their relationship soured, leading him to send her threatening and vulgar messages. Additionally, she alleges that he trespassed into her official residence and stole personal possessions, including their pet dog, Henry, although the dog was eventually returned.
The case continues to attract attention as Ms. Moitra fights to defend her reputation against these serious accusations. The controversy surrounding the custody of her pet dog further complicates an already contentious situation. The withdrawal of her lawyer raises questions about the direction the case will take in the future. The next hearing, scheduled for October 31, will shed more light on the matter.
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**Headings**
h2: Lawyer Withdraws as Controversy Escalates Over Dog Custody
h2: Court Questions Representative’s Eligibility in Mediator Role
h2: Serious Conflict of Interest Arises in Trinamool Congress MP’s Case
h2: BJP MP Lodges Complaint Against Mahua Moitra, Alleging Bribery
h2: Mahua Moitra Fights Back Against Allegations
h2: MP Seeks Retraction and Apology in Defamation Suit
h2: Estranged Partner Accused of Threats and Theft
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