JMM Readies Charter Plane For MLAs Following Hemant Soren's Arrest

Hemant Soren, the leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), faced arrest on Wednesday night in connection with a money laundering case, subsequent to his resignation as the Chief Minister. In response, he has sought protection against arrest from the Supreme Court, citing enforcement directorate actions.

After Hemant Soren's resignation, his loyalist and the state's transport minister, Champai Soren, was designated as his successor. Hemant Soren underwent a lengthy seven-hour interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate at his official residence before being arrested in connection to the money laundering case. Following the arrest, he was taken to the ED office for a medical examination, as reported by officials.

Amid the political turmoil in Jharkhand, JMM MLAs are scheduled to be sent to Hyderabad. This decision came after Hemant Soren's resignation, prompted by his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.

The Jharkhand High Court heard a petition challenging Hemant Soren's arrest in the money laundering case. Kapil Sibal, representing Soren, informed the court that the arrest was wrongful, requesting additional time to present arguments. Additionally, Hemant Soren moved the Supreme Court challenging his arrest by the central agency.

The Jharkhand Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, has approached the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest by the Enforcement Directorate. The apex court is set to hear the matter on Friday. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal presented the case on behalf of Soren and indicated their intention to withdraw the case from the High Court.

Before his arrest, Hemant Soren recorded a video message expressing dissatisfaction with the planned manner of his arrest by the ED, emphasizing the lack of evidence and attempts to tarnish his image.

Champai Soren, named the JMM legislative party leader after Hemant Soren's arrest, asserted the support of 47 MLAs and expressed the intent to continue safeguarding the pride of Jharkhand. He claimed the stake to form the government in the state, submitting a letter to the Governor.