(Image source from: Twitter.com/HemantSorenJMM)
Significant developments are unfolding in Delhi and the capital of Jharkhand, Ranchi, as officials from the Enforcement Directorate seek to interrogate Chief Minister Hemant Soren in connection with a money laundering case. Official sources claim that Mr. Soren has been unaccounted for in the past 24 hours, while his political party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, assures that the Chief Minister is safe and in regular communication with them.
According to sources within the Enforcement Directorate, there is no information regarding Mr. Soren's current location. The chartered plane he used to travel from Ranchi to Delhi remains parked at the Delhi airport. Multiple members of his staff have their phones switched off, and the ED has seized his BMW car in Delhi. Despite questioning his driver, no useful information has been obtained. Sources state that certain documents and cash amounting to ₹ 36 lakh have been discovered. The ED officials visited Mr. Soren's residences in Delhi and the Jharkhand Bhavan, but were unable to locate him. It has been learned that Mr. Soren left his Delhi residence late on Sunday night.
In the meantime, the Enforcement Directorate has received a letter from Mr. Soren's office, stating that he will be available for questioning at 1 pm tomorrow.
The Governor has made it clear that he is closely monitoring the overall situation, stating that it is his responsibility as Governor. He expressed that he will address any challenges as they arise. Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi has claimed that there are reports suggesting that Mr Soren fled his home in Delhi late at night on foot. The JMM and Congress, however, have consistently maintained that the Chief Minister will return to Ranchi soon and have accused the ED of having political motives behind their actions. The JMM has organized rallies in support of Mr Soren across Jharkhand.
JMM general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya stated, "The Chief Minister went to Delhi for personal reasons and will return. The ED's actions are unnecessary and unconstitutional. It appears to be politically motivated." Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur alleged that the confusion surrounding Mr Soren's whereabouts is part of a deliberate conspiracy aimed at creating a situation that would warrant the imposition of President's rule in the state. "There are attempts to spread rumors that the Chief Minister is missing," Mr Thakur added.
