Ranchi: A special PMLA court has officially framed charges against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, alleging that he illegally acquired an 8.86‑acre plot in the Bargayin area of Ranchi. Soren participated via video link and unequivocally denied any misconduct.
Judicial Outcome and Upcoming Trial Phase
The order eliminates the last procedural hurdle, allowing the case to move into the evidentiary stage. The Enforcement Directorate, which is investigating the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, has identified seventeen accused persons; charges against the remaining sixteen have already been framed.
BJP Insists on Soren’s Resignation
Following the court’s decision, the Bharatiya Janata Party urged the chief minister to step down, arguing that his continued tenure could jeopardise witness testimony and the collection of critical evidence.
The party’s stance is grounded in a political‑ethical argument: a sitting chief minister facing criminal prosecution should relinquish office to safeguard the integrity of the investigation.
JMM Counters the Resignation Demand
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha responded by shifting focus to the Election Commission. JMM central vice‑president and Rajya Sabha MP Baidyanath Ram suggested that if the BJP calls for resignations on procedural grounds, it should also raise concerns about Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Ram further accused the BJP of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls and highlighted perceived lapses in the party’s law‑and‑order record in Uttar Pradesh.
Health Minister Defends the Chief Minister
Health Minister Irfan Ansari rallied behind Soren, repeating the demand for scrutiny of the Chief Election Commissioner and labeling the BJP’s actions as a politically motivated witch‑hunt lacking substantive proof.
Next Steps in the Legal Battle
With charges now framed, the case proceeds to the evidence‑presentation stage. Both prosecution and defence will call witnesses and submit documentary material, with the trial expected to resume from November onward.
The crux of the dispute remains the alleged irregular acquisition of the 8.86‑acre Bargayin parcel. While Soren maintains his innocence, the court will now examine the material evidence to determine liability.
"The law must be allowed to run its course without political interference," said a senior legal analyst.
