Hemant Soren Taken Into ED Custody In Money Laundering Case, Confirms JMM Leader

JMM MP Mahua Maji confirms that CM Hemant Soren is in ED custody, adding that he has submitted his resignation to the Governor, and Champai Soren is set to take over as the new Chief Minister.

JMM MP Mahua Maji confirmed that Chief Minister Hemant Soren is in ED custody, adding that he has submitted his resignation to the Governor, and Champai Soren is set to take over as the new Chief Minister.

"The CM is in ED custody. The CM has gone to the Governor with the ED team to submit his resignation. Champai Soren will be the new Chief Minister. We have enough numbers," Maji told reporters. 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) took Hemant Soren into custody as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. Amidst growing speculation surrounding the apprehension of the Jharkhand CM, ED officials arrived at his residence in Ranchi to conduct an inquiry into the alleged financial misconduct.

Prior to the ED's interrogation, the ruling JMM-Congress alliance showcased its support, with a substantial number of party members gathering outside Hemant Soren's residence. This prompted the state police to enforce Section 144 in the vicinity.

The ED's questioning unfolded following a tumultuous episode in Jharkhand, where the BJP opposition asserted that the chief minister was "evading" the probing agency. The BJP even circulated "missing" posters with a Rs 11,000 reward for credible information about Hemant Soren.

The chaos ensued when the federal agency attempted to question Hemant Soren at his Delhi residence on Monday but claimed to be unsuccessful in locating the JMM leader. Subsequently, the ED conducted a search at the Delhi residence, seizing his BMW car and Rs 36 lakh in cash based on purported "incriminating evidence". 

Meanwhile, Hemant Soren reappeared in Ranchi on Tuesday. As the ED monitored airports in Delhi, the Jharkhand CM opted for a 1,200 km road trip back home. In Ranchi, he participated in official events, addressing questions about his whereabouts by stating that he resides in the hearts of the people.

Earlier media reports had indicated that the ruling JMM-Congress coalition had foreseen the possibility of Hemant Soren's arrest. His wife, Kalpana Soren, was reportedly the frontrunner to succeed him as the next chief minister. Earlier this month, JMM MLA Sarfaraz Ahmad resigned, potentially paving the way for Kalpana Soren to enter the state assembly.

Amidst the developments, 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.