Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi
Ranchi, Sep 30: A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ranchi on Wednesday formally framed charges against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in a money laundering case linked to 8.86 acres of land in the Bargain circle area of Ranchi. The development marks a key stage in the judicial proceedings, with the trial now set to move forward.
Soren appeared before the Special PMLA Court through video conferencing during Wednesday's hearing.
A total of 17 persons have been named as accused in the case following the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) investigation. Charges had already been framed against the remaining 16 accused in different phases, while the process concerning Soren was completed on Wednesday.
The case relates to the alleged fraudulent acquisition and laundering of proceeds connected to 8.86 acres of land in Ranchi's Bargain circle. During its investigation, the ED examined alleged manipulation of land ownership and revenue records, along with allegations of illegal occupation of the property.
The prosecution before the Special PMLA Court is based on the findings and allegations made by the ED.
Before the framing of charges, Soren had approached the Jharkhand High Court seeking a stay on the proceedings before the trial court. He challenged a September 21 order of the Special PMLA Court through a criminal writ petition, arguing that the process of framing charges should not proceed until the ED completed its investigation.
The High Court did not grant immediate relief to Soren and directed the ED to file a supplementary affidavit and provide a copy to the concerned parties. The next hearing has been scheduled for October 28, with the ED also raising objections regarding the maintainability of the writ petition.
With charges now framed against Soren, the case will proceed to the trial stage. The prosecution will subsequently present evidence and examine witnesses, after which the defence will have an opportunity to present its case.
The proceedings will continue before the Special PMLA Court in accordance with the legal process.