Hemant Soren’s Judicial Custody Extended in Land Scam Case

Former CM and Co-Accused to Remain in Jail for 14 More Days

PMLA court hearing sees multiple defendants as investigation continues into alleged corruption.

RANCHI – Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and several co-accused appeared before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ranchi on Thursday.

The court extended the judicial custody of all defendants by 14 days, with the next hearing scheduled for July 11.

"The investigation is ongoing, and the court sees fit to continue the remand," a legal expert commented on the proceedings.

Key Developments

Soren, arrested on January 31 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), faces charges in a land scam case.

Other accused include suspended revenue staff member Bhanu Pratap Prasad and JMM leader Antu Tirkey.

Mohd. Saddam, Mohd. Afsar Ali, and Vipin Singh were among those present in court.

Bail Plea Status

Soren recently filed a bail application with the Jharkhand High Court, which has reserved its decision.

His lawyer, Kapil Sibal, argued that the ED lacks concrete evidence and that the arrest is politically motivated.

The ED strongly opposed bail, citing Soren’s influential position and potential to interfere with the investigation.

This case continues to draw significant attention, highlighting ongoing concerns about corruption and political influence in Jharkhand’s governance.

The extended custody underscores the complexity of the investigation and the serious nature of the allegations against the former chief minister and his co-accused.