Hemant Soren, the ex-Chief Minister of Jharkhand, has been released from jail after the High Court granted him bail in a high-profile land scam case this morning. The court found insufficient evidence to hold Soren guilty and determined there was no risk of him committing another offense while on bail.
Details of the Bail Decision
Hemant Soren’s counsel, Arunabh Chowdhury, informed news agency PTI, “Bail is granted. The court held, prima facie, Hemant Soren is not guilty, and there is no likelihood of the petitioner committing an offence on bail.” Bail was secured with a bond of Rs 50,000 and two sureties of the same amount each.
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Background of the Case
Hemant Soren, the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 31 on charges of money laundering. The ED accused Soren of orchestrating a scheme involving fictitious transactions and forged documents to acquire 8.86 acres of prime land in Ranchi, estimated to be worth crores.
WATCH: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister @HemantSorenJMM walks out of jail hours after the High Court granted him bail in the alleged Ranchi land scam case.#HemantSoren #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/ewqvYagRWP
— The Theorist (@thetheorist_in) June 28, 2024
Court’s Rationale for Granting Bail
In its detailed order, the High Court noted that the “broad probabilities” of the case did not directly implicate Soren in the illegal acquisition or concealment of the land. The court found that none of the revenue records showed Soren’s direct involvement in possessing or acquiring the disputed land.
सभी को झारखण्ड से जोहार! pic.twitter.com/8Cg0XOsaVs
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) June 28, 2024
Also Read: Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren granted bail in Ranchi land scam case
“The ED’s claim appears ambiguous when considered against the backdrop of the allegation that the land was already acquired and possessed by the petitioner from the year 2010 onwards,” the court stated. Furthermore, the court ruled that Soren met the twin conditions for bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), concluding there was no risk of him committing a similar offense while out on bail.
Soren’s Denial of Charges
Throughout the proceedings, Hemant Soren has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that his arrest was a politically motivated move by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to derail the opposition ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Recent Legal Challenges
Soren’s legal journey has seen multiple setbacks. The Ranchi special court initially denied him bail, and the High Court later rejected a plea to quash his arrest, citing substantial evidence supporting his detention. The Supreme Court also refused interim bail, which Soren sought to campaign for his party in the elections.
The Supreme Court had tough questions regarding Soren’s failure to disclose that the special court had taken cognizance of the complaint against him. This led Soren to withdraw his plea challenging the arrest.
Political Implications and Future Actions
Soren’s release marks a significant turn in the case. The bail order allows him to resume his political activities and participate in upcoming election campaigns. This development may influence the political landscape in Jharkhand and beyond, especially with the Lok Sabha elections looming.
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