While the Supreme Court declined to provide relief to Soren, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) requested a 10-day extension to interrogate the former CM regarding his alleged participation in the unlawful acquisition of an 8.5-acre property.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
RANCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has presented allegations to the court against former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, accusing him of illegal acquisition of land and possession of unaccounted cash. According to the ED, Soren has been implicated in the unlawful acquisition of approximately 8.5 acres of land, alongside the discovery of ₹36 lakh in cash at his Delhi residence, marking a serious turn in the ongoing investigations into corruption and illegal land dealings.
The land in question, located at Baragai, has become the center of controversy with Soren defending himself against the allegations. Soren has denied the allegations, saying that the plot of land at Baragai in question has been “wrongfully alleged to be owned and possessed” by him.
He has refuted claims of ownership, stating that the land, identified as “Bhuinhari land,” is not legally transferable or sellable, and neither he nor his family members have any legal claim or possession of such property. Bhuinhari land, as per local land laws, is designated for specific community or tribal use and cannot be owned or sold by individuals outside those communities.
ALSO READ: Hemant Soren Appeals to Supreme Court Over ED Arrest, Hearing Set for Tomorrow
Despite Soren’s denial, the ED’s investigation paints a different picture, suggesting Soren’s direct involvement in the acquisition, possession, and utilization of what is termed as the proceeds of crime. The agency has accused Soren of collaborating with Bhanu Pratap Prasad, allegedly a key figure in a land-grabbing syndicate, to conceal original records and project illegally acquired property as legitimate. This accusation points towards a systematic attempt to launder the proceeds of crime by integrating them into the legal property market.
The ED’s findings include evidence recovered from Prasad’s mobile phone, consisting of handwritten notes detailing the properties in question. These notes are said to establish Soren’s possession of the disputed land and indicate attempts to alter official records to legitimize the ownership under Soren’s name. Such actions, if proven, could have significant legal ramifications for Soren, highlighting a complex web of illegal land transactions and money laundering.
“Several summonses were issued to Hemant Soren for his explanation in the above matter but most of the time he did not appear deliberately which also proves that he is deliberately evading investigation,”
-the probe agency argued.
“He left for Governor’s House without consent and without completing the ongoing proceedings. The written grounds of arrest could be served to him at 10pm,”
-agency added.
ALSO READ: Hemant Soren Gets Arrested by Enforcement Directorate in Land Scam Case
This case sheds light on the broader issue of illegal land acquisitions and the mechanisms used to launder proceeds from such activities. The involvement of high-profile individuals in such schemes underscores the challenges faced by regulatory and enforcement agencies in tackling corruption and illegal property dealings. As the court proceedings unfold, further details are expected to emerge, potentially revealing the extent of the network involved in this case and the methods employed to circumvent legal and regulatory frameworks.
The allegations against Hemant Soren represent a critical moment in the fight against corruption and illegal land dealings in India. With the ED’s investigation ongoing, the case promises to be a litmus test for the enforcement of property laws and the accountability of public figures in adhering to legal standards.
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
