A day following the search conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at the Delhi residence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the agency announced on Tuesday that it had confiscated Rs 36 lakh, an SUV, and certain potentially incriminating documents. Despite allegations from the Opposition BJP in Jharkhand claiming Soren’s “missing” status, the Chief Minister held a meeting with all MLAs of the ruling coalition at his residence.
On Monday, an ED team visited Soren’s residence in South Delhi to interrogate him regarding a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged land fraud case. However, Soren was not present at home, leading the ED team to stay for nearly 13 hours. Sources indicate that the ED teams will remain at the residence until Soren’s return, with authorities also monitoring the Delhi airport.
During the day-long operation, the ED teams reportedly seized approximately Rs 36 lakh in cash, a BMW with a Haryana number plate registered under a benami name, and certain incriminating documents. Soren, aged 48, has communicated to the ED that he is willing to appear for questioning on Wednesday at his Ranchi residence around 1 pm. The ED issued a fresh summons to Soren, asking him to confirm his availability for questioning on either January 29 or January 31.
Criticism arose from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), with its general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya questioning the legality of the ED’s sudden arrival at the CM’s official residence with armed personnel. Bhattacharya expressed concern over the urgency, questioning why the ED officials could not wait for two days when seven hours of interrogation had occurred a week ago. JMM asserted that the ED’s actions were an affront to the honor and respect of the Chief Minister and the 3.5 crore people of the state.
Meanwhile, BJP state chief Babulal Marandi alleged that Soren had gone underground due to fear of the ED.
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