ED to Question Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren today in Land Scam Case

In a significant turn of events, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren is expected to face questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) today in Ranchi regarding a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. The high-profile case has seen over 40 hours of intense drama, with the ED initially declaring Soren as ‘untraceable.’

Unraveling the Drama: Chief Minister’s Whereabouts Revealed

After the prolonged uncertainty surrounding Hemant Soren’s location, the Chief Minister surfaced at his official residence in Ranchi via road on Tuesday. Following this development, he convened a meeting with alliance MLAs, putting an end to the suspense over his whereabouts.

Agreement to Record Statement Amid Allegations

In response to the ED’s summons, Soren agreed to record his statement on January 31 at 1 pm at his residence. However, he alleged that the ED’s actions were “motivated by political agenda” to disrupt the state government’s functioning. In a letter to the ED, Soren accused the agency of malice and claimed that their insistence on recording his statement by January 31 revealed a political agenda.

ED’s Seizures and Ongoing Investigation

The ED, during its search operations at Soren’s residence, seized Rs 36 lakh in cash, two luxury cars (reportedly BMWs), and incriminating documents. The federal agency had camped at Soren’s residence for almost 13 hours, investigating a money laundering case linked to an alleged land deal in Jharkhand.

Background of the Case: Illegal Change of Ownership Racket

The investigation revolves around a racket involving the illegal change of ownership of land by a mafia in Jharkhand. The focus is on the purchase and sale of land occupied by the army, conducted under fake names and addresses. The Ranchi Municipal Corporation had lodged an FIR in this regard, leading to the ED’s involvement. The agency has arrested 14 individuals, including Chhavi Ranjan, a 2011-batch IAS officer, in connection with the case.

Political Implications: Allegations of Malafide Intentions

Soren’s response to the ED’s actions suggests potential political implications, with the Chief Minister asserting that the summon was “vexatious and in colorable exercise of powers given by the statute.” The unfolding drama highlights the intersection of legal proceedings and political maneuvering, as the ED continues its probe into the alleged land scam.