Hemant Soren, a prominent Indian politician hailing from Jharkhand, has had a remarkable political career, marked by significant achievements as well as recent controversies. Serving as the 5th Chief Minister of Jharkhand, his tenure from 2019 to 2024 concluded with his resignation amid an Enforcement Directorate investigation into a sprawling land scam. 

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Hemant Soren entered the political arena in 2005 by contesting in the Jharkhand Assembly Elections, although facing defeat. His journey took a positive turn in 2009 when he was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha. However, the same year, he resigned from the Rajya Sabha after winning the Dumka seat in the Jharkhand Assembly, marking his transition to state-level politics.

In 2010, Hemant Soren was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Jharkhand, showcasing his rising influence within the state government. The political landscape witnessed a significant shift in 2013 when he assumed the role of the 5th Chief Minister of Jharkhand, a position he held until 2014. Notably, he represented the Barhait constituency in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, securing re-election in 2014 and 2019.

Source: Mint

As Chief Minister, Hemant Soren faced both triumphs and challenges. In 2015, after the BJP secured a majority in the Jharkhand Assembly Elections, he assumed the crucial role of Leader of Opposition. This period showcased his resilience and strategic political maneuvering.

Unfortunately, Hemant Soren’s political journey took an unexpected turn in 2024 when he resigned as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. The resignation followed his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case related to a land scam in the state. The intricate details of the alleged scam implicated Soren as the primary beneficiary of a fraudulent scheme that spanned across Ranchi, Bihar, and West Bengal.

Source: NDTV

Land Scam:

The Enforcement Directorate uncovered the modus operandi of the land scam involving collusion between bureaucrats, businessmen, and the land mafia. The fraudulent creation of deeds and records of land parcels was at the core of this intricate fraud, leading to the illicit sale of lands at exorbitant prices.

Key Aspects of the Scam:

Forgery of Records: Collaboration between the accused and bureaucrats resulted in the forgery of deeds and records at the registrar’s office in Ranchi, with fake signatures and records leading to the illicit sale of lands.

Arrest of Kolkata-Based Lawyer: The ED arrested Kolkata-based lawyer Amit Agarwal, alleged to handle illicit funds for Soren and other politicians, revealing crucial details in a PIL filed in the Jharkhand High Court.

CBI Investigation: The CBI conducted a parallel investigation into Amit Agarwal’s involvement in the scam, adding another layer to the ongoing probe.

Source: PradaPhash

Prosecution Complaint: Last June, the ED filed its first Prosecution Complaint against individuals, including the then DC Ranchi Chhavi Ranjan, Prem Prakash, and Amit Agarwal, as well as three companies linked to Agarwal.

Details of Land Parcels: The misappropriation involved defense land in Ranchi, with a combined value of 74 crores for parcels in Morabadi Mouza and Hehal. Fake deeds were identified for 27 properties.

Registration in Kolkata: Investigations revealed that the registration of landed properties, dating back to when Jharkhand was part of undivided Bihar, was conducted in Kolkata. After 1991, this registration shifted to Bihar.

Manipulation of Records: Accused Afshar Ali and associates created fake records and deeds at the Registrar of Assurance in Kolkata, facilitating the sale of defense land.

Amid these revelations, Hemant Soren resigned, and the JMM MLAs announced Champai Soren as the next Chief Minister.