Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday registered a police complaint, filing an FIR against senior ED officials at the SC/ST police station in Ranchi. The move follows the Enforcement Directorate's recent search operation at Soren’s residence in Delhi, related to a money laundering case linked to an alleged land deal in Jharkhand, news agency PTI reported citing an official familiar with the matter and some sources.
Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police, Chandan Kumar Sinha, confirmed the FIR, stating, "An FIR has been lodged against some senior ED officials... we got the application from the chief minister". However, Sinha did not disclose additional details regarding the FIR, the PTI report said.
The ED team had conducted a 13-hour search at Soren’s Delhi residence on Monday, aiming to question him in connection with the money laundering case. The agency reported the seizure of Rs 36 lakh, an SUV, and "incriminating" documents during the operation.
Presently, ED officials are questioning Hemant Soren at his Ranchi residence regarding the same case.
In the midst of speculations about the possible arrest of the Jharkhand chief minister, the ED arrived at his Ranchi residence for questioning in the money laundering case earlier in the day. Ahead of this inquiry, the ruling JMM-Congress alliance demonstrated strength, with a large number of party workers assembling outside Soren's residence, prompting the imposition of Section 144 by the state police.
The ED's interrogation follows high-drama in Jharkhand, with the Opposition BJP alleging that the chief minister is evading the probing agency, even releasing "missing" posters with a Rs 11,000 reward for credible information about Hemant Soren.
Tensions escalated when the ED, in pursuit of Hemant Soren for questioning on Monday, claimed to be unable to locate the JMM leader. The ED proceeded to search the Delhi residence of the Jharkhand chief minister, seizing his BMW car and ₹36 lakh in cash based on purported "incriminating evidence".
On Tuesday, Hemant Soren reappeared in Ranchi. As the ED monitored Delhi airports, the Jharkhand CM chose a 1,200 km road trip home. In Ranchi, he attended formal events and, when asked about his whereabouts, stated that he resides in the hearts of the people.
Reports suggest that the ruling JMM-Congress coalition deliberated the potential arrest of Hemant Soren, with his wife, Kalpana Soren, considered the frontrunner to succeed him as the next chief minister. The resignation of JMM MLA Sarfaraz Ahmad earlier this month is likely to pave the way for Kalpana Soren's entry into the state assembly.
JMM MP Mahua Maji commented on the situation, alleging a conspiracy by the Central Government and BJP to destabilise non-BJP ruled states. She expressed confidence in the alliance's unity, asserting that Hemant Soren would retain the chief ministerial position.