Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Faces Imminent Arrest
In a stunning turn of events, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren finds himself on the brink of arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged land scam. Soren, who had been “untraceable” since Monday midnight, returned to Ranchi on Tuesday amid mounting speculation and an ongoing investigation.
The Allegations:
The ED’s investigation has reportedly uncovered evidence linking Soren to a series of financial irregularities, including a land scam, illegal mining, and coal mining within the state. Top sources within the ED suggest that the evidence amassed is substantial enough to warrant the Chief Minister’s arrest.
Money Laundering Cases:
The ED is actively probing at least three money laundering cases, and it claims to have found compelling links between Soren and illegal mining activities in Jharkhand. Statements recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act reportedly implicate individuals who have named Soren and people close to him, including high-ranking officials in the state.
Documentary Evidence and Benami Properties:
According to ED sources, there is documentary evidence connecting Soren with benami properties acquired using the proceeds of crime. The allegations extend beyond the land scam, painting a broader picture of financial impropriety and misuse of power.
Soren’s Evasion Tactics:
Despite being summoned by the ED on ten occasions, Soren has consistently skipped the summonses, except for one instance where he agreed to be questioned at his residence. The ED has now asked him to confirm his availability for questioning on January 31. Soren’s repeated evasion has prompted the ED to consider further action if he fails to appear.
Shibu Soren, former Chief Minister and the father of Hemant Soren was also arrested
Shibu Soren, a former Chief Minister and the father of Hemant Soren, also encountered legal issues. In 2006, Soren was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi court for his involvement in the 1994 abduction and murder of his private secretary, Shashi Nath Jha. During this period, Shibu Soren served as the coal minister in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Cabinet.
In a subsequent turn of events, the Delhi High Court acquitted Shibu Soren in August 2007, criticizing the CBI for its failure to gather evidence against the tribal leader. The Supreme Court upheld this verdict in April 2018, officially acquitting Shibu Soren in connection with the murder of his private secretary. The prosecution had alleged that Jha discovered alleged bribes by then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao to Soren and other party members to secure a confidence vote in Parliament. Shashi Nath Jha went missing in May 1994, and his body was later discovered in Ranchi.
Searches at Hemant Soren’s Residence:
A team from the ED conducted searches at Soren’s official residence in Delhi on Monday in connection with the money laundering case related to the alleged land scam. The search reportedly yielded two BMWs, incriminating documents, and Rs 36 lakh in cash, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
Legal Maneuvers and Court Rejections:
Soren, it is reported, is exploring legal options and may approach the court to seek protection against coercive action. However, his previous attempts in this regard were unsuccessful, as the courts rejected his petitions. This indicates a potentially challenging legal battle ahead for the embattled Chief Minister.
Current Status and Future Developments:
As of now, Soren had initially consented to be questioned on January 31. However, sources close to the Jharkhand Chief Minister’s Office suggest that he is now considering legal avenues to navigate the situation. The ED, on its part, has made it clear that further action will be taken if Soren fails to appear for questioning.
Conclusion:
The unfolding events surrounding Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s alleged involvement in a land scam and related financial improprieties are sending shockwaves through the political landscape. The ED’s investigation, backed by compelling evidence, adds a layer of complexity to the situation. The coming days will likely see a tug of war between legal defenses and the pursuit of justice, with Soren’s political future hanging in the balance.
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