Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren finds himself entangled in a complex web of legal troubles as an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team recently arrived at his official residence in Delhi. The team was there to probe a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. However, Soren, who had previously skipped the ED summons nine times, was not present at his residence when the team arrived, having left for an undisclosed location around midnight.
The ED, acting on fresh inputs related to the land scam, conducted searches at Soren’s Delhi home. Despite these efforts, they were unable to record his statement as he was not present during the searches. The ED has maintained its pursuit, and Soren has been asked to confirm his availability for questioning on either January 29 or 31. It’s worth noting that Soren had given consent for questioning on January 31, and sources close to the Chief Minister’s Office expressed his willingness to cooperate with the probe agency.
As the situation unfolds, Soren has reportedly been exploring legal options, having met with an advocate in the national capital. Speculations suggest he might seek court protection “against coercive action.”The Enforcement Directorate’s efforts have encountered legal hurdles, with both the Supreme Court and the Jharkhand High Court rejecting Soren’s plea that questioned the legitimacy of the summons issued by the investigative body.
The recent summons and searches are part of the ongoing investigation initiated by the ED in 2022. The focus of the probe revolves around tracing a trail of Rs 100 crore of “proceeds of crime” generated from illegal mining operations in the state. The ED has been relentless in its pursuit, having arrested 14 individuals in connection with the case, including 2011-batch IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan, who served as the director of the state’s Social Welfare Department and deputy commissioner of Ranchi.
Soren, who holds the position of executive president in the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), has not shied away from accusing the BJP-led central government of using probe agencies to destabilize his government. This claim has been cited as the reason behind his repeated non-compliance with ED summons. The political dimension adds complexity to the legal proceedings, creating a charged atmosphere surrounding the case.
Sources reveal that Soren’s absence during the recent ED searches led to the inability to record his statement, prompting a subsequent visit to Jharkhand Bhawan to inquire about his whereabouts. The Chief Minister’s decision to meet with an advocate in Delhi and explore legal avenues suggests a proactive stance to navigate the legal challenges ahead. His return to his residence around 8:30 pm on Sunday after leaving at 1 pm further adds to the mystery surrounding his movements.
It is crucial to note that the ED’s actions are not isolated to Soren’s residence alone. Earlier this month, the probe agency had conducted raids at the premises of Soren’s press advisor, officials of Sahibganj district, and a former MLA. These raids were part of the broader money laundering probe into alleged illegal mining activities in the state.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the ED’s persistent efforts to question Soren and delve into the intricacies of the alleged land scam will likely shape the narrative of this case. Soren’s legal maneuvers, coupled with the political undercurrents, set the stage for a complex legal battle with potential ramifications beyond the immediate scope of the money laundering investigation. Only time will reveal the twists and turns that lie ahead in this high-stakes legal drama involving a Chief Minister and the investigative machinery of the Enforcement Directorate.