Jharkhand Land Scam Fallout: CM Hemant Soren Receives Fresh ED Summons For Questioning

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a fresh summons to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in connection with a money-laundering case linked to an alleged land scam.

A report from The New Indian Express revealed that Soren has been requested to appear at the federal agency's office in order to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The summons has been scheduled for 12 December, marking the sixth notice issued to Soren.

However, he has not appeared before the ED as he filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking protection from the agency's actions.

The investigation revolves around the ED's allegations of a "huge racket of illegal change of ownership of land by the mafia" taking place in Jharkhand.

The agency has already arrested 14 individuals in connection with the case, including Chhavi Ranjan, a 2011-batch Indian Administrative Service officer who previously served as the director of the state social welfare department and deputy commissioner of Ranchi.

In November of the previous year, the 48-year-old Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader underwent questioning by the ED in another money-laundering case related to alleged illegal mining activities in the state.