Background

Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in relation to a money laundering case. Prior to his arrest, he resigned as the state’s chief minister after he was questioned by the central law enforcement agency, according to reporting by Scroll. The arrest was made in relation to the ownership of a land parcel, which the agency believes was gained via the “proceeds of crime” involving illegal selling of Army land. Soren denied the charges and said that the property was “wrongfully alleged to be owned” by him.

Soren’s arrest came just before Lok Sabha elections. Soren and his party, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, have accused the BJP of conspiring to overthrow the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha state government. Soren is one of many opposition leaders facing investigations by India’s central agencies, according to reporting by BBC. The JMM has labeled the investigation against Soren as a politically motivated “witch-hunt.”

Charges and Allegations

According to the ED, “Soren is guilty of the offense of money laundering.”

Current Status

As of April 29, 2024, The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate requesting a response to a plea made by Soren, according to reporting by Scroll. Soren challenged his arrest in the money laundering case in the plea.

Last Update

As of April 29, 2024, The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate requesting a response to a plea made by Soren. Soren challenged his arrest in the money laundering case in the plea.