In the late hours of Monday, an Enforcement Directorate squad confiscated two BMWs belonging to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Additionally, they discovered a collection of incriminating documents and a sum of Rs 36 lakh in cash at his official residence in Delhi.
During the search conducted at the official residence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in Delhi, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized two BMWs, incriminating documents, and a sum of Rs 36 lakh in cash. However, Soren was not present at home and was reported as “missing” by sources, preventing the ED team from questioning him. Earlier that day, the ED officials had arrived at Soren’s Delhi residence to investigate a money laundering case related to an alleged land scam. As Soren was not available, the officials remained outside the premises for 13 hours and conducted the search during that time.
ED teams are closely monitoring the activities of Hemant Soren at Delhi airport, as per reliable sources.
On January 27, Hemant Soren departed from Ranchi to Delhi, citing personal reasons and assuring a prompt return. However, the Jharkhand unit of the BJP countered this statement, claiming that he had been missing for 18 hours due to concerns over potential action from the ED. They approached Governor CP Radhakrishnan, expressing apprehensions about the state’s credibility.
Previously, on January 20, the ED had interrogated Soren regarding the case.
Last week, the investigative agency issued fresh summons to Soren, requesting him to confirm his availability for questioning in the alleged money laundering case on either January 29 or 31.
According to the ED, the investigation revolves around a “massive racket of illicit transfer of land ownership by the mafia” in Jharkhand.
In a letter dated January 29, obtained by India Today TV, Soren informed the ED that he would present himself for questioning at his residence at 1 pm on January 31. Additionally, the Jharkhand Chief Minister accused the probe against him in the money laundering case of being a “wandering inquiry” driven by political motives.
The 48-year-old politician further alleged that the central agency was attempting to tarnish his character and disseminating false information to the media, resulting in a trial by the press.