The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Ranchi, Jharkhand): Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, has been remanded to judicial custody by a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ranchi. This development follows his arrest in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan, representing Soren, confirmed the remand and mentioned that they would soon file a bail petition.
Soren, who had previously been in the custody of the central agency for five days since February 7, was arrested on January 31 after an extensive seven-hour interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Prior to his arrest, he tendered his resignation as Chief Minister of Jharkhand to the state’s Governor.
The ED’s investigation has reportedly uncovered evidence implicating Soren in the illegal acquisition of land. This includes the recovery of over Rs 36 lakh in cash and documents related to the alleged acquisition of land through fraudulent means. The agency has identified land parcels spanning 8.5 acres, which are believed to be part of the criminal proceeds acquired by the former Chief Minister.
The probe further revealed the involvement of Revenue Sub-Inspector Bhanu Pratap Prasad and others in a syndicate engaged in corrupt practices, including forceful property acquisition and the use of false deeds. The ED stated that Soren is directly involved in these activities, providing sufficient grounds to believe his guilt in the offence of money laundering under section 3 of the PMLA, 2002.
The investigation centers on the generation of proceeds of crime through the forgery of official records, showcasing fake sellers and purchasers, and the use of forged or bogus documents for acquiring large land parcels of significant value.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to address and curb corruption and money laundering activities, particularly in the land acquisition sector.
