Enforcement Directorate (ED) has declared Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren “missing” as officials intensify efforts to question him in connection with a money laundering case. This incident has sparked a political storm, with the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) asserting that the Chief Minister is safe, while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claims he is “absconding.”
Official sources reveal that Mr. Soren’s whereabouts remain unknown for the past 24 hours. The chartered plane that transported him from Ranchi to Delhi sits parked at the Delhi airport, and his BMW car has been seized by the ED.
Despite extensive efforts, including questioning his driver and visiting his residences, the ED has been unable to locate the Chief Minister.
ED sources report the discovery of documents and cash worth ₹36 lakh during the investigation. Meanwhile, the ED has received a letter from Mr. Soren’s office, stating his availability for questioning at 1 pm tomorrow.
The BJP’s Jharkhand unit alleges that the Chief Minister is “absconding” and urges Governor CP Radhakrishnan to intervene, expressing concern over the credibility and reputation of the state.
The JMM and its ally Congress denounce the ED’s actions as politically motivated, staging rallies in support of Mr. Soren across Jharkhand.
JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya asserts, “The CM went to Delhi for some personal work, and he will be back. But, the ED action is uncalled for and unconstitutional.”
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey suggests plans to name Mr. Soren’s wife, Kalpana, as the Chief Minister, further fueling speculation and tensions.
The ED is investigating Mr. Soren in connection with an alleged racket involving the illegal change of land ownership by mafia elements in Jharkhand, resulting in the arrest of 14 individuals.
The political confusion raises questions about the use of federal agencies for political ends, with the JMM questioning the role of institutions like the ED and their autonomy from political influence.
Governor Radhakrishnan assures that he is monitoring the overall scenario. The Jharkhand Congress president, Rajesh Thakur, alleges a “well-designed conspiracy” to create confusion about Mr. Soren’s location.,
The ED’s prolonged visit to Mr. Soren’s Delhi residence, coupled with the opposition’s claims of him being “missing,” adds layers of complexity to the ongoing investigation.