Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was released from jail today after the High Court granted him bail in a land scam case. His lawyer, Arunabh Chowdhury, confirmed that the court found no clear evidence of guilt and believed there was no risk of further offenses while on bail.
With no other pending cases against him, Soren is expected to be released soon. Bail conditions included a ₹50,000 bond and two sureties of the same amount.
Soren, a leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31 for alleged money laundering. The ED alleges he orchestrated a scheme involving fake transactions and forged documents to illegally acquire 8.86 acres of land in Ranchi valued at crores.
Hemant Soren Granted Bail
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was released from Birsa Munda jail in Ranchi on Friday, following bail granted by the Jharkhand High Court in a money laundering case related to a land scam.
Soren emerged from the prison to a warm welcome from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leaders and supporters, who cheered and chanted slogans. Accompanied by his wife Kalpana Soren, he later visited his father, former Chief Minister Shibu Soren, and mother Roopi Soren. Sharing photos of the reunion, he greeted everyone with a message from Jharkhand.
सभी को झारखण्ड से जोहार! pic.twitter.com/8Cg0XOsaVs
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) June 28, 2024Also Read: Opposition to Address NEET Controversy in Parliament Today
Land Scam Controversy
More than 25 people, including individuals like Soren, a former top official named Chhavi Ranjan, and Bhanu Pratap Prasad, were arrested by the Enforcement Directorate. Soren, who was previously the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, denied accusations of illegally taking land. He claimed that the BJP-led central government had unfairly accused him of money laundering for political reasons.
Soren was arrested on January 31 at Ranchi Raj Bhavan, shortly after he resigned from his position as Chief Minister. On June 22, the Enforcement Directorate searched locations in Ranchi as part of their investigation into allegations of land grabbing and money laundering involving Soren and others. During these raids, they seized Rs 1 crore in cash and 100 live bullets.
Mamata Banerjee on Hemant Soren Bail
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her happiness on X after Hemant Soren was granted bail. Soren, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a significant tribal leader, had to resign due to a legal case. However, the Hon’ble High Court has now granted him bail.
Banerjee shared her joy about this positive development and expressed confidence that Soren would resume his public duties soon. She warmly welcomed him back.
Also Read: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren Missing
Hemant Soren Granted Bail FAQs
Q.1. Why was Hemant Soren granted bail?
Ans. Hemant Soren was granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court due to a lack of clear evidence and no risk of further offenses while on bail.
Q.2. What were the bail conditions for Hemant Soren?
Ans. Hemant Soren’s bail conditions included a ₹50,000 bond and two sureties of the same amount.
Q.3. What charges was Hemant Soren facing?
Ans. Hemant Soren was facing charges of money laundering related to a land scam involving fake transactions and forged documents to acquire land in Ranchi.
Q.4. How did Mamata Banerjee react to Hemant Soren’s bail?
Ans. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed happiness on social media, welcoming Hemant Soren’s bail and expressing confidence that he would resume his public duties soon.
Q.5. What was the reaction of Soren’s supporters to his release?
Ans. Hemant Soren was warmly welcomed by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leaders and supporters, who cheered and chanted slogans as he was released from Birsa Munda jail.
