Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Granted Permission for Floor Test Amidst ED Custody

In a significant turn of events in Jharkhand, the special PMLA Court in Ranchi has granted former Chief Minister Hemant Soren permission to participate in the Floor Test scheduled for February 5, 2024. This development comes in the midst of a legal tussle involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and serious allegations of land acquisition against Soren.

The Enforcement Directorate officials brought Hemant Soren to their office from Birsa Munda jail for questioning on February 3, where he was subsequently sent to five-day custody by the High Court. Soren’s custody is linked to an alleged land scam case, and the ED claims to have recovered cash exceeding Rs 36 lakh from the former Chief Minister, along with documents pertaining to the ongoing investigation.

The ED alleges that Soren acquired land parcels spanning 8.5 acres through fraudulent means, implicating him in a larger syndicate engaged in corrupt practices related to property acquisition.

Amidst this legal turmoil, Champai Soren took oath as the new Chief Minister of Jharkhand on Friday at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi. Congress’ Alamgir Alam and RJD’s Satyanand Bhokta also assumed ministerial roles in the Jharkhand cabinet.

Hemant Soren, the JMM chief, was arrested by the ED after multiple summons in connection with the alleged land scam. He moved the Supreme Court against his arrest, challenging the ED’s summons as illegal. However, the Supreme Court declined to entertain his plea and directed him to approach the concerned High Court.

Soren contends that he has been facing constant harassment at the hands of the ED, accusing the agency of misusing its authority for political reasons.

The ED’s probe focuses on the proceeds of crime generated through the alleged forging of official records, involving the presentation of ‘fake sellers’ and purchasers using forged or bogus documents to acquire substantial land parcels with a value in crores.

As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders are closely watching the legal proceedings and political developments in Jharkhand. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.