Amidst intense political developments, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) persisted in questioning Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren for over five hours on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged money laundering case related to land deals. The Chief Minister, who is also the executive president of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), had previously been questioned on January 20 in connection with the same case.
The ongoing interrogation is part of an investigation into an alleged "huge racket of illegal change of land ownership by the mafia" in Jharkhand, according to officials from the Enforcement Directorate.
Soren, during the day, filed an FIR against senior ED personnel at the SC/ST police station over searches conducted by the agency at his Delhi residence. He alleged that the search operation was conducted to "harass and malign him and his entire community."
Earlier in the week, an ED team searched Soren’s Delhi residence, camping there for almost 13 hours to question him in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land deal in Jharkhand. The agency claimed to have seized Rs 36 lakh, an SUV, and some "incriminating" documents during the search.
Legislators of the ruling JMM-led coalition gathered at Soren’s residence to express solidarity, with Health Minister and Congress leader Banna Gupta stating that Soren is cooperating in the investigation. State Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh mentioned that all legislators stand firmly behind the chief minister.
Supporters of the JMM gathered in Ranchi to protest against the questioning of Soren. The supporters claimed that the Chief Minister was being targeted by the BJP-led central government through the probe agency due to his tribal identity. Prohibitory orders were imposed at key locations in the state capital, where protests were organized in support of the Chief Minister. Supporters expressed their unwavering support for Soren, vowing to stand by him in the face of challenges.
(With Agency Inputs)
