During a routine anti-sabotage check in the Rajya Sabha, a wad of currency notes was discovered from seat number 222, allocated to Congress MP and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar informed the House on Friday about the discovery and ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
Dhankhar revealed that the notes, reportedly ₹500 denominations, were found on Thursday after the House was adjourned. While it is not yet confirmed whether the notes are genuine or counterfeit, the Chairman emphasized the need to address the incident, stating it was his duty to inform the members.
Singhvi Denies Involvement
Abhishek Manu Singhvi has strongly denied any connection to the incident, calling it “bizarre” and raising questions about security lapses. Speaking to reporters, he detailed his brief presence in Parliament that day, asserting that he was in the chamber for only three minutes before heading to the canteen.
“I am astonished to hear this. I never even heard of such a thing happening. If it wasn’t so serious, it would be comical. This raises concerns about how anyone can place items at an MP’s seat and later make allegations. A thorough inquiry must be conducted, and any security failings exposed,” Singhvi said.
Political Uproar
The announcement triggered a heated response from both opposition and treasury benches. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Chairman for naming Singhvi before the completion of the investigation. In contrast, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju supported Dhankhar’s decision, arguing that identifying the seat occupant was appropriate given the circumstances.
“This is a serious matter. Carrying bundles of notes into the House is highly inappropriate. I agree that a detailed investigation is necessary,” Rijiju added.
Dhankhar defended his actions, describing them as “minimal,” and questioned why no one had claimed the money. “Does this reflect the state of the economy, where people can afford to forget such sums?” he quipped, adding that the investigation would determine the authenticity and origins of the notes.
Call for Security Reforms
Singhvi suggested enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, including lockable seats for MPs. “This raises a fundamental issue of trust and security within Parliament. We must take steps to ensure such allegations do not arise again,” he said.
With the investigation underway, both sides of the House await clarity on the incident, which has sparked questions about security protocols and the political implications of the discovery.
