• Hemant Soren challenges arrest in high profile money laundering case; SC to hear the plea on Friday

    National
    Hemant Soren challenges arrest in high profile money laundering case; SC to hear the plea on Friday
    Senior advocate Kapil Sibal informed the court that Soren would withdraw his plea against arrest from the Jharkhand High Court.

    Digital Desk: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has escalated the political turmoil in the state by moving the Supreme Court to challenge his arrest in a high-profile money laundering case. The former Chief Minister's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) followed an intense six-hour interrogation, prompting swift legal action from Soren.

    In a video message recorded just before his arrest, Soren vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that no evidence had been presented against him. He accused the authorities of attempting to tarnish his reputation by conducting raids at his Delhi residence, emphasizing his commitment to fighting for the rights of the poor, Adivasis, Dalits, and the innocent.

    The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, has agreed to hear Soren's case on Friday on an expedited basis, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle.
     
    Senior advocate Kapil Sibal informed the court that Soren would withdraw his plea against arrest from the Jharkhand High Court.

    Soren's resignation as Jharkhand Chief Minister on the eve of his arrest further intensified the political upheaval. The case revolves around allegations of large-scale money laundering through the manipulation of official records to acquire valuable land parcels using forged documents.

    Amidst the chaos, Jharkhand Transport Minister Champai Soren swiftly moved to assume the top leadership role within the JMM. Asserting his claim to form the government, Champai Soren highlighted the support of 47 MLAs and vowed to champion the interests of Jharkhand's marginalized communities, decrying the historical suppression of Adivasi voices.