Bharat Express

Hemant Soren

The Supreme Court dealt a blow to Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's aspirations to contest in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

On Tuesday, the SC adjourned former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.

Hemant Soren was arrested by the ED on January 31 in connection with the land scam and is accused of money laundering related to land deals.

On May 3, the Jharkhand High Court dismissed Soren's plea, stating that the ED possessed substantial evidence, and Soren's arrest was justified.

Mr. Soren, who resigned as Jharkhand chief minister shortly before his arrest, has been in judicial custody at the Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi since January 31.

Kapil Sibal further asserted that Soren's petition challenging his arrest by the ED on January 31 was pending before the Jharkhand High Court, urging the bench to consider his interim bail plea in light of this.

Soren, in his petition filed through advocate Pragya Baghel, said that a pattern has emerged in the actions of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of prosecuting and targeting individuals, especially political leaders associated with the opposition, on the basis of fabricated charges.

According to the charge sheet, statements and documents indicate Soren's purported association with the 'land mafia' and his alleged benefit from the proceeds of the illicit activities.

Reflecting on the tumultuous political landscape, Kalpana Soren addressed the allegations against her husband, questioning the motives behind his imprisonment.

Kalpana Soren's birthday marked her entry into politics amid her husband Hemant Soren's imprisonment, signaling a familial political shift.