Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren summoned by ED in illegal mining case
Jharkhand ,Nov 2: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in an illegal mining case. Soren has been asked to appear before the central probe agency tomorrow, November 3.
The ED has already arrested Soren’s aide Pankaj Mishra in the case. On July 8, the probe agency also raided 18 locations in Jharkhand linked to Pankaj Mishra and his business associates.
The searches were launched after the ED filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Mishra and others in March, alleging that the former “illegally grabbed or amassed huge assets in his favour”. Proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 42 crore acquired by the accused Pankaj Mishra have been identified till date.
The PMLA Investigation revealed that Pankaj Mishra, who enjoys political clout, being the representative of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, MLA from Barhait, Sahebganj, Jharkhand, controls the illegal mining businesses as well as inland ferry services in Sahebganj and its adjoining areas through his accomplices, according to the agency.
The ED initiated a money laundering investigation on the basis of an FIR against Pankaj Mishra and others. Later on, several FIRs regarding illegal mining lodged under the IPC, Explosive substances Act, Arms Act have also been taken into the ambit of scheduled offences.
During the probe, 47 searches were conducted throughout India by the ED on several dates resulting in the seizure of cash to the tune of Rs 5.34 crore, freezing of bank balances amounting to Rs 13.32 crore, seizing of an inland vessel MV Infralink-III, five stone crushers, two Hyva trucks besides the seizure of incriminating documents along with two AK 47 assault rifles.
-PTI
