“Hemant Soren Money Laundering Case: ED Arrests Another Suspect in Ranchi Investigation”

By Trend News Line 2024-04-16 07:41:05.

Money Laundering Investigation

In a recent development in the ongoing money laundering investigation against former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and others, the Enforcement Directorate has made a fresh arrest. The federal agency conducted searches in Ranchi against a person named Antu Tirkey, who is believed to be connected to the case. The arrested individual, identified as Afshar Ali, was already in jail under judicial custody in another money laundering case. The agency sought and received permission from a designated court to take Ali into custody in relation to the latest case. Ali is accused of committing forgery in order to unlawfully acquire land in Jharkhand, allegedly in collusion with the main accused in the case involving Soren and former revenue department sub inspector Bhanu Pratap Prasad.

Arrests and Charges

This marks the fourth arrest in the ongoing case. The 48-year-old JMM leader Soren was taken into custody by the ED in January shortly after resigning as the Chief Minister. He is currently being held at the Birsa Munda jail in Hotwar, Ranchi under judicial custody. Prasad and Mohammed Saddam Hussian have also been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation revolves around an 8.86-acre plot of land in Ranchi that the ED alleges was illegally acquired by the former Chief Minister. A charge sheet has been filed against Soren, Prasad, and others, including the former CM’s alleged frontmen and associates, before a special PMLA court in Ranchi. The ED has also taken steps to attach the Ranchi land and has requested the court for confiscation of the property.

Background of the Case

The money laundering investigation originated from multiple FIRs filed by the Jharkhand police in land scam cases involving various individuals, including government officials. The primary accused in the case, Prasad, who is also a custodian of government records, is alleged to have misused his official position to aid individuals, including Soren, in illegal activities related to land occupation and acquisition. The agency has stated that a network of land mafia is active in Jharkhand, forging land records in Ranchi for illicit gains.

In conclusion, the Enforcement Directorate’s relentless pursuit of justice in the money laundering case against Hemant Soren and others highlights the seriousness with which such allegations are taken. The arrests and charges filed serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and those involved in corrupt practices will be held accountable. As the investigation continues, more details are likely to emerge, shedding light on the extent of the alleged money laundering scheme..

– Money laundering case against Hemant Soren ED arrests
– Conducts searches in Ranchi.