Ex-Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Released from Jail After Bail in Land Scam Case

Ranchi: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has been granted bail in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader was released from Birsa Munda jail in Ranchi after spending over two months in custody.

Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay of the Jharkhand High Court approved Soren’s bail application, setting conditions that include a ₹50,000 bond and two sureties of the same amount. Soren’s legal team claims the court found him prima facie not guilty of the offences charged.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Soren on January 31, 2024, in connection with their investigation into the alleged scam. During the bail hearing, ED representatives opposed the application, citing Soren’s influence and potential to obstruct the investigation if released.

The case centres on allegations of a land scam in Bargain, Jharkhand. According to the ED, Soren had plans to build a banquet hall on the property, with his architect friend Vinod Singh allegedly involved in identifying the land.

Soren’s defence team, including senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Meenakshi Arora, argued that the case was politically motivated, describing it as “malicious prosecution” by the central government.