Hemant Soren faces court setback in land scam case and internal party criticism

A special PMLA court in Ranchi has rejected a plea by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to stall proceedings in an alleged land scam and money laundering case. Soren had requested that the framing of charges be kept in abeyance while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducts further investigations and files a supplementary charge sheet. However, the court ruled that ongoing investigations do not necessitate a halt to current proceedings, noting that supplementary complaints would simply become part of the existing case. The next hearing is scheduled for September 24.

Separately, the Jharkhand State Congress Disciplinary Committee has issued a show-cause notice to former minister Yogendra Sao. The notice follows Sao’s public remarks labeling Soren the “most corrupt chief minister” and accusing the government of handing over state resources to corporate entities. Sao’s comments were triggered by an administrative drive to remove encroachments on land in the Hazaribagh district. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has also called for action against Sao following his statements.