The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has brought forward startling evidence against former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, alleging his involvement in the illegal acquisition of land worth over ₹31 crore. According to reports from the PTI, the ED’s case is supported by invoices for a refrigerator and a smart television, which were obtained from Ranchi-based dealers. These receipts were attached to the ED’s chargesheet against Soren, with the special PMLA court taking cognisance of the prosecution complaint on April 4.
The ED alleges that Soren acquired 8.86 acres of land through illegal means, despite his denial of any association with the property. Santosh Munda, identified as the caretaker of the land, reportedly stated to the ED that he had been managing the property on behalf of Soren’s family for the past 14-15 years. The agency refutes claims made by Rajkumar Pahan, asserting that Pahan served as a “front” for Soren to maintain control over the asset.
In a twist, the ED points to a letter written by Pahan to the Ranchi deputy commissioner, seeking to cancel previous mutations and secure ownership of the land just days before Soren’s arrest. The agency alleges that the JMM-Congress government facilitated this move, effectively ensuring Soren’s continued control over the property.
The ED’s investigation reveals that the disputed land originally belonged to indigenous communities known as ‘Mundas’ and ‘Pahans,’ designated as ‘Bhuinhari’ property, which cannot typically be sold or transferred. Despite this, Soren purportedly gained control of the land in 2010-11 by evicting its previous occupants and subsequently acquiring it.
Further damning evidence provided by Santosh Munda includes details of visits by Hemant Soren and his wife to the property, along with his involvement in erecting a boundary wall. Munda, described as the property’s caretaker at Soren’s behest, collaborated with another accused, Hilariyas Kachhap, who facilitated the installation of an electricity meter on the premises.
The ED highlights transactions involving the purchase of a refrigerator in February 2017 and a smart TV in November 2022, both registered under the names of Munda’s family members. These purchases were made at the address where the disputed land is located in Ranchi, further implicating Soren in the alleged illegal acquisition scheme.
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