“Welcome back, Hemant…”: Mamata Banerjee reiterates her support for Hemant Soren as Jharkhand High Court Grants him Bail

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday expressed her happiness over Hemant Soren, the former Jharkhand Chief Minister being granted bail in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. Banerjee had also come out in support of Soren soon after he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31.

“Hemant Soren, an important tribal leader, and Chief Minister of Jharkhand, had to resign because of a case, but today he has received bail from the Hon'ble High Court! I am very happy with the great development and am sure that he will start his public activities immediately. Welcome back, Hemant, amidst us!” said the Trinamool Congress Supremo taking to the social media platform “X”.

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was released on bail by the High Court on Friday. His lawyer, Arunabh Chowdhury, announced that the court had cleared Soren of any wrongdoing. The court had previously reserved its decision on Soren's bail application in June. According to reports, Soren was granted bail upon paying a bond of ₹100,000, backed 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 Hemant Soren’s lawyer Arunabh Chowdhury.

Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31 after he resigned from the post of the Jharkhand Chief Minister. The central probe agency had accused Soren of misusing his position to acquire 8.86 acres of land in Ranchi.

Soon after Soren was apprehended, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had come out in support of him, strongly condemning his “unjust arrest.” “I strongly condemn the unjust arrest of Shri Hemant Soren, a powerful tribal leader. The vindictive act by BJP-backed central agencies reeks of a planned conspiracy to undermine a popularly elected government. He is a close friend of mine, and I vow to stand unwaveringly by his side, dedicated to protecting democracy in these trying times. The resilient people of Jharkhand will deliver a resounding response and emerge victorious in this crucial battle!” said Mamata Banerjee.​