Where is the CM of Jharkhand Hemant Soren? BJP raises questions
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials visited the Delhi residence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren for questioning, only to find him absent. This move sparked a political row over the chief minister's whereabouts.
CM's Whereabouts and Response
According to sources close to the CM, Soren was in the vicinity of Delhi for legal consultations. They emphasized that there was no need for the ED to search for him, as he had already informed the agency about his availability for questioning at 1 pm on Wednesday. The JMM criticized the urgency of the ED's actions, stating, "What was the hurry of the ED officials that they couldn’t wait two days for questioning?"
BJP's Counterargument
On the other hand, leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) labeled the CM as an "absconder." State BJP chief Babulal Marandi questioned the constitutional implications, asking, "Who is the leader of the state in case of the CM absconding?"
PMLA Probe Background
The ED's investigation is related to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and involves an alleged land scam connected to a 7.16-acre parcel in Ranchi. Soren dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, asserting that his asset details were already public.
ED's Actions and Soren's Response
The drama unfolded around 7 am when the ED team reached Soren's residence in Shanti Niketan. They also sent a team to the airport for an undisclosed purpose. ED officials claim they had fresh information leading to the visit. The CM's office confirmed his availability for questioning on January 31, as communicated to the ED.
Security forces in front of Jharkhand's CM Hemant Soren residence
Political Allegations and Counter-Claims
Soren, in a letter to the ED, criticized their insistence on further statements as "malicious" and a "political agenda." The JMM questioned if the ED was being used to destabilize the state government, while the BJP insisted on a "constitutional crisis."
Arrests and Previous Interrogation
The ED has arrested 14 individuals in connection with the case, including government officials and businessmen. Soren was questioned for nearly seven hours on January 20, following multiple summons.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Apart from the current probe, Soren is also facing allegations of illegally acquiring a mine, which posed a disqualification threat to his government last year. The CM maintains his innocence in both cases.
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