CM Hemant Soren faces arrest in a ₹600 crore land scam. Nominating Champai Soren as successor, this echoes past legal troubles of Jharkhand CMs.
ED Takes Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren
Jharkhand, a state born on November 15, 2000, has witnessed its fair share of political turbulence. Among its leaders, three Chief Ministers have found themselves entangled in legal issues, creating a unique legacy for the Soren family.
Hemant Soren, the current Chief Minister, became the third in his family to face arrest after his father Shibu Soren, and Madhu Koda. The Enforcement Directorate apprehended him in connection with a money laundering case related to an alleged land scam. Despite evading nine summonses, Soren was grilled for over six hours.
The dramatic episode unfolded in a cat-and-mouse game between the ED and Soren, with rumors circulating about his whereabouts. The arrest stems from an illegal change of land ownership in Jharkhand, making Hemant Soren the latest casualty in the state’s political landscape.
CM Hemant Soren Anticipates Arrest in ₹600 Crore Land Scam
The ex-Chief Minister, dodging seven summons, now faces potential arrest in a ₹600 crore land scam. The alleged money laundering case has implicated 14 individuals, including a high-ranking 2011-batch IAS officer, Chhavi Ranjan.
The scheme involves a shady operation of changing ownership of government land and selling it to builders. The ex-CM, anticipating this, held a crucial meeting with ruling alliance MLAs to discuss his successor.
Initially, his wife, Kalpana Soren, was a front-runner, but due to upcoming state elections, the plan was scrapped. Elections couldn’t be held in the last year of the assembly’s term, making Kalpana ineligible even if named Chief Minister.
The ex-CM claims he’s a victim of a massive conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP. Despite the turmoil, a state minister, Mithilesh Thakur, reassures that their government holds the majority and will persist.
CM Hemant Soren Message Before Custody
I am aware that yesterday in the meeting of the party MLA Galat on 301 2024, This proposal was passed in the Sarva Samiti that in case of any adverse circumstances, I have to leave my post of leader of the legislative party.
Then in that situation, the new leader of the legislative party will be selected by me. The above proposal was also agreed to in the meeting of MLAs of all the coalition parties.
Today I am going to appear in compliance with the ad relation if I am arrested. In such a situation I have with great consideration decided to Nominate Shri Champai Soren as the new leader of the legislative party.
After formally electing him as the leader of the Legislative Party in the meeting of the Legislative Party, Along with the leaders of all the allied parties taking his letter of support under the leadership of the new leader,
All of you will go before the Honorable Governor and stake claim for the formation of a new government and show your unity. Introducing him. he will remain present in Ranchi till the formation of the new government.
In the end, with the support, love, and blessings of all of you, I tried to give successful leadership to the government in adverse circumstances for 4 years. I also completed many works of public interest, all this would not be possible without your cooperation and support.
Former Jharkhand CM Madhu Koda’s Corruption
Madhu Koda, who served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2008, faced imprisonment for corruption. Accused of money laundering and amassing disproportionate assets, Koda was allegedly involved in a mining scandal. The CBI and ED accused him of taking bribes for allocating coal and mining blocks during his tenure.
With properties worth Rs 144 crore attached in a money laundering case, Koda was released on bail in 2013, only to be convicted in 2017. The saga unfolded with multiple convictions related to hawala transactions and disproportionate assets.
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Shibu Soren’s Legal Battles
Shibu Soren, Hemant Soren’s father and a former Chief Minister, faced life imprisonment in 2006 for his alleged involvement in the 1994 abduction and murder of his private secretary.
Serving as the coal minister in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Cabinet, Shibu Soren was later acquitted by the Delhi High Court in 2007, criticizing the CBI’s failure to produce evidence. The Supreme Court upheld the verdict in April 2018, marking the end of Shibu Soren’s legal battles.
Jharkhand, since its inception, has witnessed political upheavals, with its Chief Ministers entangled in legal troubles. The Soren family, in particular, has seen a unique legacy unfold, raising questions about the intersection of power and legality in the state’s political landscape.
Conclusion:
Jharkhand faces political turmoil as Chief Minister Hemant Soren, accused in a ₹600 crore land scam, anticipates arrest. Soren nominates Champai Soren as his successor, preparing for potential custody. This echoes the legal woes of past CMs Madhu Koda, convicted in a mining scandal, and Shibu Soren, acquitted after abduction accusations. The Soren family’s legacy adds intrigue to Jharkhand’s political landscape.
