In the midst of the political upheaval rocking Jharkhand, the former Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, has taken a significant step by approaching the Supreme Court. His plea challenges the arrest made by the Enforcement Directorate in connection to a money laundering case, specifically related to an alleged land scam. Heading the three-judge bench, Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to preside over Soren’s plea at 10:30 am today, accompanied by Justices M M Sundaresh and Bela Trivedi.
Arrest and Allegations
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren faced arrest by the Enforcement Directorate after an intense seven-hour grilling session on money laundering charges, linked to an alleged land fraud case. Swiftly responding to his arrest, Soren knocked on the doors of the apex court, asserting that the central agency’s actions were orchestrated by the central government with the intention of destabilizing the Jharkhand government.
Resignation and Succession
Anticipating the legal battle ahead, Soren preemptively tendered his resignation as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand to Governor CP Radhakrishnan. JMM leader Champai Soren, the state’s Transport minister, is poised to replace him. The Raj Bhawan extended an invitation to Champai Soren to form the government, and the oath ceremony is expected to take place today at 12 pm. This development transpired after Champai Soren, accompanied by 42 other MLAs, met Jharkhand Governor C P Radhakrishnan to expedite the government formation process amid apparent confusion in the state.
Unraveling the Investigation
The ongoing investigation is rooted in a substantial “racket of illegal change of ownership of land by the mafia” in Jharkhand, according to the Enforcement Directorate. The agency has already apprehended 14 individuals in connection to the case, including 2011-batch IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan and Jharkhand land revenue department employee Bhanu Prasad Prasad. The ED is meticulously probing the alleged manipulation of official records, involving dummy sellers and purchasers through forged documents, to acquire extensive land parcels valued in crores.
BJP’s Perspective on Leadership Change
Reacting to Champai Soren assuming the role of Jharkhand’s Chief Minister, state BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo expresses skepticism. Deo suggests that the change in leadership might not significantly alter the state’s landscape, projecting Champai Soren as a mere puppet with the strings controlled by the Soren family. Highlighting the Soren family’s history of corruption allegations, Deo voices concerns about potential political vendettas and the exploitation of mineral and land resources.
Legal Basis of Hemant Soren’s Arrest
The Enforcement Directorate, justifying Hemant Soren’s arrest under Section 19 of the PMLA, 2002, states, “The property measuring approximately 8.5 acres is proceeds of crime, which has been in unauthorized and illegal possession and use of Hemant Soren.” The grounds of arrest further accuse Soren of actively participating in the acquisition, possession, and use of the alleged proceeds of crime, alongside Bhanu Pratap Prasad and others.
Champai Soren: A Political Journey
Champai Soren, currently the vice president of JMM, has a diverse political portfolio. Serving as the Cabinet Minister of Transport, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Caste & Backward Class welfare in Hemant Soren’s cabinet, Champai has held various positions in the past, including Science and Technology, Labour and Housing, Food and Civil Supplies, Transport, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Caste & Backward class welfare. With a political career spanning five terms as an MLA and a prior stint as a cabinet minister in the Arjun Munda government, Champai Soren brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Chief Minister.
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