Jharkhand Ex-CM Hemant Soren Granted Bail in Money Laundering Case

The Jharkhand High Court on Friday granted bail to former Chief Minister Hemant Soren in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. Soren's lawyer, Arunabh Chowdhury, stated that the court found him not guilty of the offense. The decision came after the court reserved its ruling on Soren's bail plea earlier in June. As per reports, bail was granted after paying a bond worth ₹100,000, secured by two sureties, each guaranteeing ₹50,000

"Bail has been granted to Soren. The court has held that prima facie he is not guilty of the offence and there is no likelihood of the petitioner committing an offence when on bail," said Arunabh Chowdhury. Soren, who is the executive president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), has been in custody at Birsa Munda jail in Ranchi since his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31.

The Enforcement Directorate had accused Soren of misusing his position to acquire 8.86 acres of land in Ranchi. However, Soren's defense argued that the allegations were politically motivated and not criminal in nature under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). His lawyer, Kapil Sibal, contended that any disputes over the land were civil matters concerning property rights.

Soren's arrest had prompted a series of legal challenges. Initially denied bail by the Ranchi special court and later facing rejection of a plea to quash his arrest by the High Court, Soren also sought interim bail from the Supreme Court, which was turned down. His legal team had contended that the timing of his arrest, just months before the Lok Sabha elections, was aimed at undermining the opposition. Hemant Soren's case has been contentious, with allegations of manipulation of records and forged documents to acquire valuable land. Despite these accusations, Soren has consistently denied any wrongdoing.​