(ANI)
31 January 2024
Sandeep Dhand (Ludhiana)
In a dramatic turn of events, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who was reported ‘missing’ for the last 24 hours, returned to his official residence in Ranchi late Monday night. Speculations arose when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided his Delhi residence, seizing Rs 36 lakh in cash, a BMW SUV, and ‘important’ documents related to an alleged land scam.
Soren, facing allegations of money laundering, is set to be questioned by the ED on Wednesday in Ranchi. The ED team is reported to have informed state authorities and central security forces about their visit. The BJP had earlier claimed that Soren had ‘run away’ fearing ED action.
Sources close to Soren mentioned that he had already informed the agency about his willingness to appear for questioning at his Ranchi residence on January 31 around 1 pm. During a meeting with MLAs and ministers, Soren urged his party members to remain in the provincial capital.
The ED has, till now, arrested 14 individuals, including 2011 batch IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan, in connection with the land scam. JMM spokesperson Suprio Bhattacharya questioned the necessity of the Federal Investigation Agency’s raid in Delhi, emphasizing that Soren had willingly invited the ED to record his statement.
Soren, responding to reporters in Ranchi’s Bapu Vatika, stated, “I live in your hearts,” addressing concerns about his brief absence. The unfolding developments add complexity to the ongoing investigation, with the ED set to resume questioning from where it left off on January 20.