ED Attaches Rs 31-Cr Worth Ranchi Land Allegedly Owned By Hemant Soren

In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into money laundering allegations, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken action against Hemant Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand. The federal agency has attached 8.86 acres of land in Ranchi, purportedly owned by Soren, as part of its probe into financial irregularities involving him and several associates. This move comes after the ED filed a charge sheet against the 48-year-old leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and four others on March 30, which was subsequently acknowledged by a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court.

Photo Credit: PTI

The court's recognition of the prosecution complaint marks a critical juncture in the case, with the ED seeking the court's approval for the confiscation of the contentious land plot. Soren's arrest by the ED in January, following an interrogation at his Ranchi residence, led to his resignation from the chief ministerial post. He is currently under judicial custody at the Birsa Munda central jail in Ranchi's Hotwar area.

The roots of this investigation trace back to multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged by Jharkhand Police concerning land scam cases. These cases involve several individuals, including government officials, with Bhanu Pratap Prasad, a former official in Jharkhand's revenue department, emerging as the prime accused. Prasad is accused of abusing his official capacity to aid various individuals, including Soren, in illicitly acquiring and possessing landed properties.

The ED's investigations have unveiled a network involved in forging land records in Ranchi to facilitate illegal land transactions. According to the agency, ownership records were manipulated to benefit a so-called land mafia, leading to unlawful land acquisitions. Prasad is alleged to have been part of a syndicate engaged in such fraudulent activities, including tampering with government records and creating counterfeit documents.

The disputed property, approximately 8.86 acres located at Baragain Anchal on Bariyatu Road in Ranchi, has been valued at over 31 crores INR. The ED alleges that Soren has been in possession of this asset since 2010-11 through deceptive means. Furthermore, Soren is accused of exerting his influence to fabricate evidence related to this property following his initial summons by the ED in August 2023.

During its investigation, the ED recorded statements from individuals claiming ancestral ownership of the land in question. They alleged that their complaints regarding forceful acquisition by Soren and his father were ignored due to their influential status. The property, identified as Bhuinhari land which typically cannot be sold or transferred under normal circumstances, was reportedly seized unlawfully by Soren and his associates.

Despite Soren's denial of any connection to the contested property or association with Prasad, the ED's findings suggest otherwise. In addition to this case, during searches at a Delhi residence under Soren's use and control on January 29, authorities seized cash amounting to Rs 36.34 lakh, a BMW car, and incriminating documents. The former Chief Minister admitted to using this car on the day of the search.

The ED's ongoing investigation has led to the arrest of 16 individuals so far, including IAS officer and former Ranchi district collector Chhavi Ranjan along with Amit Kumar Agarwal and Prem Prakash. This case continues to unfold as authorities delve deeper into allegations of money laundering and corruption within Jharkhand's political and administrative circles.