Hemant Soren Showing 'Acute Non-Cooperation': ED Tells Court, Remand Extended By 3 Days

The ED claimed that former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren displayed a lack of cooperation and reluctance in disclosing information regarding lands allegedly acquired by him.

File Photo of former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren

Source : PTI

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has levied serious allegations against former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, accusing him of obstructing the investigation into money laundering charges. According to the central agency, Soren has displayed a marked lack of cooperation and reluctance in disclosing information regarding lands allegedly acquired by him, news agency PTI reported. This revelation unfolded during Soren's appearance before the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court, presided over by Judge Rajiv Ranjan. The court, upon hearing the ED's plea, extended Soren's remand to the agency for an additional three days.

Soren, who was arrested by the ED on January 31 following his resignation as chief minister, stands accused of involvement in a case concerning the acquisition and possession of illegal immovable assets. The ED presented evidence in the form of a WhatsApp conversation between Soren and his alleged associate Binod Singh, PTI's report stated. The chat allegedly contained details about a proposed banquet hall intended for construction on an 8.5-acre plot in the Baragai area of Ranchi, which the ED claims was unlawfully acquired by Soren.

According to PTI, the ED's document seeking an extension of Soren's remand stated, "The accused person Shri Hemant Soren has been showing acute non-cooperation and is reluctant to divulge true facts regarding the properties acquired by him and other persons connected to him." Furthermore, the agency highlighted Soren's refusal to acknowledge the WhatsApp exchanges, asserting that this refusal was aimed at concealing crucial information about the properties under scrutiny.

ED On Hemant Soren's Whatsapp Communications

The ED maintained that scrutiny of the WhatsApp communications between Soren and Binod Singh revealed a blueprint of the proposed banquet hall, which matched the location of the disputed 8.5-acre land allegedly owned by Soren. To corroborate their claims, the agency informed the court of a survey conducted on February 10, during which the proposed banquet's location as per Binod Singh's plan was found to align with Soren's purported land holdings, the report mentioned.

The ED contended that Soren's lack of cooperation persisted even after searches were conducted on February 7, yielding fresh incriminating evidence. Moreover, the agency accused Soren of transferring the contested parcel of land to another individual subsequent to the commencement of the investigation.

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