Ranchi: A special PMLA court on Thursday formally framed charges against Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, alleging that he illegally secured an 8.86‑acre parcel in Ranchi’s Bargayin neighbourhood. Soren appeared through a video link and categorically denied any wrongdoing.
Judicial Ruling and What Lies Ahead
The order eliminates the final procedural barrier, clearing the path for a full‑scale trial. The Enforcement Directorate, probing the case under the Prevention of Money‑Laundering Act, has already named seventeen individuals as accused; charge‑sheets for the remaining sixteen were filed earlier.
BJP Calls for Immediate Resignation
In the wake of the verdict, the Bharatiya Janata Party urged Mr. Soren to step down, asserting that his continued tenure could jeopardise witness testimony and the collection of evidence.
The party’s stance is grounded in the view that a sitting chief minister facing criminal proceedings should relinquish office to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
JMM Pushes Back
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha rebutted the BJP’s demand, redirecting criticism toward the Election Commission. JMM central vice‑president and Rajya Sabha MP Baidyanath Ram argued that if the BJP expects resignations on procedural grounds, it should also question the conduct of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Ram further alleged irregularities in the recent revision of electoral rolls and highlighted the BJP’s own law‑and‑order record in Uttar Pradesh.
Health Minister Defends Soren
Health Minister Irfan Ansari rallied behind the chief minister, accusing the BJP of staging a politically motivated witch‑hunt rather than presenting concrete evidence, and reiterated the call for scrutiny of the election commissioner.
Trial Timeline
With charges now framed, the case proceeds to the evidentiary stage. Both prosecution and defence will present witnesses and documentary proof, with the trial slated to reconvene from November onward.
The heart of the dispute remains the alleged irregular acquisition of the 8.86‑acre Bargayin plot. While Soren maintains his innocence, the court will now assess the material evidence to determine liability.
