In a gripping sequence of developments, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has set its sights on questioning Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in connection with a money laundering case, leading to a cascade of conflicting reports regarding his whereabouts. Official sources claim that Soren has been "missing" for the past 24 hours, but the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), his political party, contends that he is safe and in constant communication with them.
According to ED sources, there is a lack of information about Soren's current location, although the chartered plane he used to travel from Ranchi to Delhi remains parked at the Delhi airport. Several phones belonging to his staff members are switched off, and the ED has seized his two BMW cars in Delhi. Despite questioning Soren's driver, no substantial information has been gleaned. The ED officials visited his residences in Delhi and Jharkhand Bhavan, but their efforts to locate him have been fruitless. It is reported that Soren left his Delhi residence late on Sunday night.
Meanwhile, the ED has received a letter from Soren's office, indicating that he will make himself available for questioning at 1 pm the next day.
The BJP's Jharkhand unit has characterized the Chief Minister as "absconding" and has urged Governor CP Radhakrishnan to intervene. The Governor, while acknowledging that he is "keeping a watch on the overall situation," expressed a cautious approach, stating, "It is the job of the Governor, I am doing it. We will cross the bridge when it comes."
Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi has alleged that, according to some reports, Mr. Soren "ran away from his Delhi home on foot late at night."
In response to the unfolding situation, the JMM and its ally Congress have consistently maintained that the Chief Minister will return to Ranchi soon, branding the ED's actions as politically motivated. The JMM has organized rallies in support of Soren across Jharkhand.
"The CM went to Delhi for some personal work, and he will be back. But, the ED action is uncalled for and unconstitutional. It seems that the move is politically motivated," remarked JMM general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya.
Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur alleged that the "confusion" surrounding Soren's location is part of a "well-designed conspiracy." He asserted, "Attempts are being made to create a situation for the imposition of President's rule in the state. People are spreading rumors that the CM is missing."
Simultaneously, all MLAs of the JMM-led ruling alliance have been instructed to stay in Jharkhand for a meeting on the following day. JMM general secretary Vinod Kumar Singh told the news agency PTI that the MLAs "will discuss the future course of action."
BJP MP and Jharkhand leader Nishikant Dubey has claimed that plans are afoot to name Mr. Soren's wife, Kalpana, as the Chief Minister. "Hemant Soren ji has called his own, JMM, Congress, and allied MLAs to reach Ranchi with their luggage and bags. According to the information, there is a proposal to make Kalpana Soren ji (Hemant Soren's wife) the Chief Minister. The CM has said that fearing an ED interrogation, they will reach Ranchi by road and announce their arrival," he claimed.
Soren is under investigation in connection with an alleged racket involving the illegal change of land ownership by mafia elements in Jharkhand. The ED has arrested 14 individuals in connection with the case. The agency had previously recorded Soren's statement on January 20. In a statement, the JMM questioned why a fresh summons was issued for Mr. Soren days after he was initially questioned. The party also criticized the ED for deploying armed personnel to the Chief Minister's Delhi residence, even after he had communicated his availability for questioning on Wednesday.
"Besides the Chief Minister, is this not an insult to the 3.5 crore people of the state? Are institutions like the ED now just puppets in the hands of the BJP? Will they be used to form or topple state governments? Can the Centre do anything to Chief Ministers when they are in Delhi?" the JMM questioned, highlighting broader concerns about the potential misuse of central agencies in state politics.