Jharkhand CM’s ED Summon Sparks JMM-led Bandh in Sahibganj

Sahibganj Bandh Called by JMM Over ED’s Interrogation of Hemant Soren

In response to the ED’s interrogation of CM Hemant Soren, JMM activists have called for a bandh in Sahibganj.

RANCHI – Following the agreement of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to meet with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at his residence on January 20, JMM activists have declared a bandh in Sahibganj.

The bandh, scheduled for January 17, is a reaction to the ED’s questioning of CM Soren in the Ranchi land scam case.

On Tuesday evening, JMM supporters, under the leadership of district president Shahjahan Ansari, organized a torch procession in Sahibganj.

The rally, starting from Railway General Institute, showcased the participants’ discontent towards the federal agency.

Hemlal Murmu, a former MP and senior JMM leader, accused the central government of destabilizing Hemant Soren’s elected government.

Murmu criticized the central government as a democracy killer and alleged misuse of agencies like the ED, CBI, and NIA in non-BJP ruled states.

He termed these actions as politically motivated.

According to Murmu, a peaceful strike, including a railway track blockade, is planned for Wednesday in Sahibganj district.

Rajmahal MP Vijay Hansda expressed concerns over the BJP government’s attempts to tarnish CM Soren’s image using central agencies.

JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya echoed the sentiment of tribal communities’ anger over the ED’s repeated summons to CM Soren, accusing the ED of acting as BJP’s political front.

Notably, the ED issued its first summons in the land scam case on August 14, 2023, followed by eight more to the Chief Minister by January 2024.

Soren’s response to the 8th summons invited the ED to his residence on January 20.

This move came after Soren missed seven previous summons, with the ED specifying a January 16-20 window for questioning.