Ranchi's PMLA court rejects Hemant Soren's bail petition

A court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Jharkhand made a decision on Monday to reject the regular bail plea of former chief minister Hemant Soren. Soren has been detained at Birsa Munda Central Jail since February 1 in connection with a money laundering case, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The case involves illegal dealing of tribal land behind DAV School, Bariatu in the heart of state capital Ranchi.

In his defence, Soren argued that the tribal land in question, labelled as his benami property, remains under the possession of its rightful owner. He further asserted that upon becoming aware of the issue, the state government promptly took action to rectify the situation. Soren maintained that the entire legal action taken against him is politically motivated.

“ED countered the bail petition saying a prosecution complaint has been filed against Soren with proper evidence and the trial court has also taken cognisance in the matter. ED submitted in the court that granting bail to Soren will not be in the interest of justice as he is influential and had never cooperated in the investigation,” said a civil court lawyer familiar with the case.