Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Gets 7th Summons In Land Scam Case: Report

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), leader earlier skipped the sixth ED summons related to the money-laundering case linked to an alleged land scam on Dec 12.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren.

Source : PTI

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a seventh summons to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren 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), on Dec 12, skipped the sixth ED summon related to the money-laundering case linked to an alleged land scam.

He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of conspiring against his government. Addressing a public meeting at Koraiya panchayat in Dumka district, CM Hemant Soren stated, "Many people thought that I would not be able to attend the programme today. Our opposition has constantly been conspiring against the government and trying to divert people’s attention. We will not tolerate the people who defame this sacred land", as quoted by PTI.

As Soren participated in the scheduled government programme in Dumka, an official from the Chief Minister's Office delivered a letter to the ED office. The content of the letter remains undisclosed, PTI's report mentioned.

The Jharkhand CM has consistently avoided appearing before the agency and instead opted to file petitions before the Supreme Court and later the Jharkhand High Court, seeking protection from the agency's actions. In his pleas, he termed the summonses as unwarranted. However, both courts have dismissed his petitions.

The summons comes in the wake of a significant mining scam, with allegations of financial irregularities amounting to approximately Rs 1000 crore. The ED had earlier apprehended one of Soren's close aides, Pankaj Mishra, as part of their ongoing investigation into the matter.

The ED had previously issued summons to Soren on August 8, 19, and September 1, asking him to appear before it on August 14, 24, and September 9, respectively. After that, the ED issued the fourth summons and asked him to appear before them on September 23. The fifth summons asked him to appear before it on October 4.