Jharkhand CM moves SC against ED summons in ‘money laundering’ case

New Delhi, Aug 25 : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court on Friday, challenging the ED summons against him in the ‘money laundering’ case and sought the quashing of it.

Soren, in his petition filed before the Supreme Court, said that there is an attempt to tarnish his image and also the reputation of the democratically elected government and the people of the state.

Soren sought the quashing of the issuance of summons against him in the money laundering case, among other prayers.

The Jharkhand CM has twice skipped questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the money laundering case.

The ED has been investigating two major money laundering cases in the state. The first case is related to illegal mining in the state. The agency questioned the CM in connection with the mining case on November 17 last year.

The second case pertains to an alleged land scam in the state capital. Thirteen individuals, including IAS officer C Ranjan, and two businessmen, have already been arrested in connection with the alleged land.

The ED summoned Soren for questioning on August 14 at its zonal office in Ranchi to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Soren, however, did not appear before the agency and termed it a “politically motivated” case.

Soren had questioned the summons and asked the agency to withdraw it.

The agency, however, rejected Soren’s claims and issued a second summons to Soren, asking him to appear before it yesterday.

Soren moved the Supreme Court on Friday, challenging the issuance of summons against him by the ED.