Jharkhand Governor reviews security arrangements as CM Hemant Soren faces ED investigation

Following the Enforcement Directorate’s search at the Delhi residence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Jharkhand Governor C P Radhakrishnan has taken action to assess the security arrangements. In a meeting with senior government officers including Chief Secretary Lalbiaktluanga Khiangte, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Avinash Kumar, and Director General of Police Ajay Kumar Singh, the governor reviewed the situation.

The state has implemented elaborate security measures to maintain law and order, with an additional deployment of 7,000 policemen. Prohibitory orders have been imposed in key areas such as near the CM House, the Raj Bhavan, and the ED office in Doranda, Ranchi. The search at the Delhi residence of the JMM leader, Hemant Soren, resulted in the seizure of Rs 36 lakh, an SUV, and certain ‘incriminating’ documents.

The ED’s investigation pertains to a money laundering case connected to an alleged land deal in Jharkhand. Sources within the ED have indicated that the evidence collected so far is strong enough to lead to Soren’s imminent arrest. The investigation has allegedly uncovered links between Soren and illegal mining activities as well as coal mining in the state. Statements recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) have reportedly named individuals close to Soren and high-ranking officials in the state as well.

In response to the ED’s request for Soren’s appearance for questioning, he was not present at his residence and it was later discovered that he had left for an undisclosed location. However, sources from the Chief Minister’s Office have revealed that he is considering legal options.