On Saturday, a representative of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) visited the residence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in Ranchi, the state capital, to interrogate him regarding an alleged land scam. The central agency had earlier sent a letter requesting the Chief Minister’s availability for questioning between January 16 and January 20. Eventually, on January 20, Soren allowed the ED to record his statement at his home.
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This development comes after Soren had ignored seven previous summonses related to the land scam case since August of the previous year. In November 2022, Soren, who was 47 at the time, underwent a nine-hour questioning by the ED in connection with a case involving illegal mining.
The Chief Minister, also the president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), had previously accused the central agencies of being used by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government to destabilize his administration.
Security was heightened around Soren’s residence ahead of the scheduled ED visit, despite protests from JMM employees and tribal leaders. Over a thousand security personnel were deployed to ensure a three-tiered level of protection.
Friday protects.
Various tribal organizations organized protest marches in support of Chief Minister Soren. These included Kendriya Sarna Samiti, Kharwar Bhoktaa Samaj, Bharat Mundaa Samaj, Bedia Vikass Parishad, Masihi Samaaj, Santhal Samaaj Dishoom, Adivasi Lohraa Samaaj, Yuva Sarna Samiti, Bheem Armyy Adivaasi Sarna Samiti, Tetar Toli Sarna Samiti, and Karmaali Samaj. Protestors voiced anti-government slogans and expressed their anger towards the ED and the federal government, alleging a conspiracy to discredit Hemant Soren’s administration.
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What is this supposed land fraud?
The alleged land fraud is being investigated under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Soren has been summoned seven times in connection with the probe into potential money laundering associated with the land scam case. The ED is investigating two significant cases: a land scam in the state capital and illegal mining. Thirteen individuals, including two businessmen and an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, have been arrested in connection with the land scam case.