The ED (Enforcement Directorate) submitted numerous damning documents and WhatsApp conversations to the special court in order to obtain the remand of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in a money laundering investigation.
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RANCHI: The ED (Enforcement Directorate) has brought to light WhatsApp conversations involving former Chief Minister Hemant Soren. These chats, exchanged with his close aide, were presented in court as part of the evidence to extend Soren’s custody for further interrogation.
Hemant Soren, who was arrested on January 31, has been under the ED’s radar in connection with a money laundering case tied to the land scam. On Wednesday (07 Feb 2024), a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court extended the ED’s custody of Soren by an additional five days, until February 12, allowing the agency more time to delve into the intricacies of the case.
The WhatsApp chats in question reveal a series of exchanges between Soren and Binod Singh, his close associate. According to the ED, these conversations are not merely casual dialogues but contain detailed discussions about various properties directly linked to the alleged scam. The chats encompass a range of topics, including the exchange of confidential information about property dealings, transfer postings, and the sharing of government records. The agency asserts that these interactions point to a substantial flow of money, hinting at the depth of the financial irregularities involved.
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Further complicating the matter, Binod Singh’s chats with other individuals regarding the transfer of officials and the sharing of admit cards for competitive exams conducted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission have also come under scrutiny. These revelations have sparked widespread interest, with some of the chats related to bureaucratic transfers gaining viral attention on social media platforms.
Amid these developments, Hemant Soren’s legal representation has raised concerns about his detention conditions. His lawyer argued in court that Soren is being held in a “basement with no ventilation,” surrounded by armed guards, which raises serious human rights concerns. Advocate General Rajeev Ranjan, representing Soren, highlighted the former chief minister’s extensive interrogation over the past five days, totaling 120 hours, and criticized the inadequate detention facilities, lacking windows or access to natural light.
ALSO READ: Hemant Soren Gets Arrested by Enforcement Directorate in Land Scam Case
This case marks a critical juncture in the investigation of corruption and money laundering within the political landscape of Jharkhand. As the ED continues to unravel the complex web of transactions and communications, the focus remains on ensuring a thorough and fair examination of the evidence at hand. The legal proceedings against Hemant Soren not only underscore the importance of accountability in public office but also reflect the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law in India.
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