Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Granted Bail in Money Laundering Case
Ranchi, Jharkhand – Hemant Soren, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), has been granted bail in an alleged money laundering case. Soren walked out of Birsa Munda Central Jail on Friday after the Jharkhand High Court’s decision.
Background of the Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Mr. Soren on January 31, 2024, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This arrest followed his resignation from the Chief Minister’s post after seven hours of questioning by the ED. The allegations involve the forgery of land documents concerning 8.86 acres in the Badgai area of Ranchi.
Court Proceedings and Bail Decision
Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay of the Jharkhand High Court granted Mr. Soren regular bail. The court had reserved its order on June 13 after hearing arguments from Mr. Soren’s advocate and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, representing the ED.
In the court order, it was stated, “The overall conspectus of the case based on the broad probabilities does not specifically or indirectly assign the petitioner to be involved in the acquisition and possession as well as concealment of 8.86 acre of land connected to the ‘proceeds of crime.’ None of the register/revenue records bear the imprint of the direct involvement of the petitioner in the acquisition and possession of the said land.”
Hemant Soren’s Statement
Upon his release at around 4 p.m., Mr. Soren, accompanied by his wife Kalpana Murmu Soren, went directly to his father Shibu Soren’s residence to seek his blessings. Addressing the media, he expressed his concerns about the judicial process and the perceived attempts to suppress political voices.
“I am out of jail after five months. These months have been worrying for the people of Jharkhand and tribals. The entire nation knows why I was sent to jail. However, the court has now pronounced the judgment. I respect the court, but it troubles me how voices of politicians, writers, journalists, and social workers are being systematically suppressed,” Mr. Soren said.
He asserted that he was jailed based on false and concocted stories and pledged to continue fighting for the people and tribals of Jharkhand.
Political Implications
The timing of Mr. Soren’s release is significant as Jharkhand prepares for Assembly elections later this year. Recently, his wife Kalpana Murmu Soren won the by-poll on the Gandey Assembly seat, adding to the political momentum for the JMM.
Mr. Soren’s release marks a crucial point in his legal and political journey. As he continues to contest the charges against him, his return to the political arena will be closely watched, especially with the upcoming elections on the horizon.