Ahead of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s appearance before Enforcement Directorate in Ranchi, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha workers have gathered in his support at Morabadi ground in Ranchi Jharkhand on Thursday. "CM is doing good work so he is being trapped," a supporter told the news agency ANI. "Modi govt always betrays non-BJP states. Our CM said if he's guilty he should be arrested, still ED sent to summon," the news agency quoted another supporter as saying.
Soren is set to appear before the ED at around 11:30 AM in connection with an alleged money laundering case related to illegal mining in Sahebganj. The agency had arrested three people including Soren’s aide Pankaj Mishra in the case so far. ED in its charge sheet said that the illegal mining scam was worth Rs 1000 crore. The charge sheet also said that the signed and unsigned cheques of Soren were recovered from Mishra’s residence in July.
Soren was summoned for the second time for questioning on November 17. Earlier, Soren had skipped questioning on November 3 citing official engagement. Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta on Wednesday said that Enforcement Directorate's summons to Chief Minister Hemant Soren is a conspiracy to oust the government.
While talking to the mediapersons in Ranchi, Gupta said, "This government believes in the constitution. ED has summoned CM Hemant Soren and he will go to the ED office. He will cooperate with the ED in every possible way. We are not afraid of the way conspiracy to oust the government is done, it will be fought firmly."
Earlier on Wednesday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren alleged that the conspirators are hellbent on overthrowing the current government in the state because "they know that we will strengthen tribals so much that those coming from outside will be thrown out."