ED Raids Premises Of Jharkhand CM Soren's Close Aides In Money Laundering Case

The ED last month served Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, the seventh summons in the ongoing money laundering probe.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting raids at the premises of some close associates of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in the state capital Ranchi in an ongoing money laundering case, reported news agency ANI. The agency said raids are underway at CM Hemant Soren's press advisor Abhishek Prasad alias Pintu's residence in connection with an illegal mining case. Searches are ongoing at 12 locations including the residence of Sahebganj Deputy Commissioner.

This comes just hours after CM Soren replied to ED's summons issued to him calling it "illegal". He also accused the agency of making the media trial of the whole matter, the agency reported citing sources.

He further said that he had already given the details of his properties, adding that the ED is trying to destabilise his government. Last month, the probe agency served him a seventh summons under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and asked him to record his statement in the ongoing land scam case, reported news agency ANI citing sources.

The leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), however, skipped the summons again and sent a letter to ED two days after the deadline, reported Hindustan Times.

Recently, BJP's state unit chief, Babulal Marandi, alleged that Chief Minister Hemant Soren, facing corruption cases, could make his wife his successor. During a press conference, Marandi said that the BJP intends to seek suggestions from legal experts and the attorney general, news agency PTI reported.

The recent resignation of JMM lawmaker Sarfraz Ahmed, according to the Jharkhand BJP, signals Soren's intention to field his wife in the ensuing election and potentially appoint her as chief minister, especially if he faces legal consequences in the alleged scam.

Addressing the media, Marandi spoke about the possibility of Kalpana Soren taking over as the Chief Minister, stating, "Making Kalpana Soren the CM and conducting elections in Gandey within less than a year after the government formation is constitutionally impossible." Drawing parallels, Marandi cited the decision of the Maharashtra High Court in the Kotla Vidhan Sabha seat case as an example.