PMLA Court frames charges against Hemant Soren in land scam
Special PMLA Court in Ranchi frames charges against Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren in the 8.86-acre Bargain land scam case.
In a significant legal development, the Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court in Ranchi has formally framed charges against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The proceedings are linked to an alleged land scam involving 8.86 acres of land in the Bargain circle area of Ranchi.
The Chief Minister appeared before the court via video conferencing to face the proceedings. This move follows a decision by the Jharkhand High Court, which had previously declined to grant a stay on the framing of charges against him.
The Bargain Land Scam Investigation
The case centers on the alleged illegal acquisition and transfer of approximately 8.86 acres of land in Ranchi's Bargain area. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had initiated a money laundering investigation into these transactions, naming a total of 17 individuals as accused in the matter.
While charges against the other 16 accused individuals had been framed at various stages, the proceedings against the Chief Minister had been pending. This delay was due to Soren pursuing various legal remedies and challenging the court's decisions in higher judicial forums.
Legal Battle and Court Proceedings
The Chief Minister's legal team had previously challenged the Special PMLA court's June decision, which refused to discharge him. At that time, the trial court had ruled that the ED had provided sufficient prima facie evidence to proceed with the case. A subsequent plea to the Jharkhand High Court to stay these proceedings was also rejected on September 19.
Speaking to the media, Hemant Soren's counsel, Sanjeev Sahay, noted that while they had filed a petition in the High Court challenging the constitutionality of Section 44(d), the Special Court proceeded with framing the charges. The matter has now been scheduled for November 30 for further consideration and the presentation of evidence.
Denial of Allegations
Throughout the hearing, the Chief Minister maintained his innocence. Advocate Sanjay Kumar, representing the CM, stated that Soren denied all allegations levelled by the prosecution, describing them as incorrect and baseless.
Key highlights of the court appearance:
- Appearance: Hemant Soren attended the hearing through video conferencing.
- Plea: The Chief Minister pleaded not guilty to the charges.
- Status: Soren is the final accused in this specific case to have charges framed.
- Next Step: The trial is set to proceed, with the next hearing scheduled for November 30.