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In Ranchi, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) workers have staged a protest against the fresh Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons issued to Chief Minister Hemant Soren in connection with a money-laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. The discontent among JMM members is palpable as legal developments unfold around the Chief Minister, leading to heightened tensions and a public display of dissent in the capital city of Jharkhand.
JMM workers Protest in Jharkhand Against Fresh ED Summons. The ED officials recorded Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s statement on January 20 at his official residence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). However, a new set of summons was issued as the questioning was not completed on that day. The ongoing dynamics between the JMM and the central agency are becoming increasingly significant in the political landscape.
Adding to the drama, Chief Minister Hemant Soren made an unplanned visit to Delhi after the ED issued fresh summons. This unexpected move, according to sources, was a direct response to the ED’s latest call for investigation participation. Despite his scheduled events, including programs in Chaibasa on January 29, Palamu on January 30, and Giridih on January 31, the Chief Minister altered his plans, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Faces ED Summons, JMM Workers Protest. On January 27, the ED issued another set of fresh summons, this time for questioning on January 29 or 31. Failure to comply would result in the agency approaching the Chief Minister directly for questioning. This comes after the ED had previously issued the ninth summons on January 13, asking for his availability between January 27 to 31 for questioning.
In response, Chief Minister Hemant Soren wrote to the ED on January 20, allowing the agency to record his statement at his official residence in connection with the land scam case. Notably, the ED had earlier summoned Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s press advisor, Abhishek Prasad, on January 16, as part of its investigation into an alleged money laundering probe linked to an illegal mining case.
The situation took a public turn on January 28 when hundreds of JMM workers gathered at Morabadi Grounds and marched to the Raj Bhavan. Allegations were made by the protestors, claiming a conspiracy by the BJP to destabilize the democratically elected government in the state. The misuse of central agencies such as the ED and CBI for political purposes was also vehemently expressed during the protest. The evolving narrative between the JMM, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and the ED paints a complex picture of political intrigue and public unrest in Jharkhand.
