ED at Hemant Soren's home
Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials visited the residence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in Ranchi on Saturday for questioning regarding an alleged land scam. The central agency had sent a letter requesting the CM’s availability for questioning between January 16 and 20. Soren insisted that the ED record his statement at his residence on January 20.
ED at Hemanth Soren’s Residence
The Jharkhand CM, also the executive president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), had previously ignored seven ED summonses, claiming that the BJP-led central government was utilizing central agencies to destabilize his administration.
In anticipation of the ED officials’ visit, heightened security measures were implemented around Soren’s residence to maintain law and order, particularly in response to protests by JMM workers and various tribal leaders. Over 1,000 security personnel were deployed, ensuring three-layer security, as confirmed by Chandan Kumar Sinha, senior superintendent of police, Ranchi.
On the preceding day, several tribal organizations conducted solidarity marches to support CM Soren. Banners from organizations such as Kendriya Sarna Samiti, Kharwar Bhokta Samaj, Bharat Munda Samaj, Bedia Vikas Parishad, Masihi Samaj, Santhal Samaj Dishoom, Adivasi Lohra Samaj, Yuva Sarna Samiti, Bheem Army, Adivasi Sarna Samiti, Tetar Toli Sarna Samiti, Karmali Samaj, among others, were displayed. Protesters chanted slogans denouncing any interference, highlighting concerns about the misuse of central investigative agencies, and expressing solidarity with tribal unity. The demonstration proceeded towards Raj Bhawan.
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Tribal leaders strongly criticized the ED and the central government during the protests, accusing them of conspiring to tarnish Hemant Soren’s government.
The alleged land scam involves Soren, who was issued seven summons in connection with a money laundering investigation related to a land scam case under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED is probing two major cases – illegal mining and a land scam in the state capital. In the land scam case, 13 individuals, including an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and two businessmen, have been arrested.
