In a major development in Jharkhand politics, Hemant Soren has been arrested in a money laundering case after stepping down as the chief minister. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader was taken to the ED office in Ranchi for questioning and subsequently arrested. Prior to his resignation, he was interrogated at his residence for several hours in connection with an alleged Rs 600-crore land scam.
While Hemant Soren’s arrest was somewhat anticipated, the choice of his successor as chief minister has surprised many. Contrary to earlier speculation, his wife Kalpana Soren will not be taking over the position. Instead, senior JMM leader and transport minister in the outgoing cabinet, Champai Soren, has been selected as the next chief minister.
The arrest by the ED on Wednesday occurred two days after a search operation at Hemant Soren’s Delhi residence. Although the JMM leader was not found there, the agency seized Rs 36 lakh in cash and a BMW car, which they alleged belonged to him. In response, Hemant Soren filed a case against senior officers of the Enforcement Directorate’s Ranchi office, accusing them of harassment and defamation under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Mr. Soren denied ownership of the seized BMW and cash, asserting that the ED officers had disseminated “selective misinformation.” The unfolding situation has garnered significant attention and awaits further updates.
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