Mamata slams arrest of ‘close friend’ Hemant Soren: ‘Vindictive act by BJP-backed central agencies’

Hemant Soren is currently in judicial custody after being arrested by the ED over his alleged role in a land scam case

Updated on: Feb 2, 2024, 13:30:51 IST

By HT News Desk

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West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday condemned the arrest of ex-Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren by the Enforcement Directorate, calling it a ‘vindictive act by BJP-backed central agencies'.

“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,” the Trinamool Congress chief said in a post on X.

“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!” Banerjee added.

Soren, 48, has been sent to five-day ED custody after being arrested by the ED over his alleged role in a land scam case. He had challenged his arrest in the Supreme Court, but the apex court refused to intervene suggesting that the two-time CM move the high court.

The top court also declined to set down a deadline for the Jharkhand high court to hear and decide his petition that seeks Soren's arrest be declared unconstitutional.

The ED has accused Soren of involvement in an extensive land scam in his state Jharkhand. He is alleged to have been a key beneficiary of illicitly obtained land via fraudulent means.

A file photo of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

The agency has been investigating a ‘sophisticated’ operation involving a network of brokers and businessmen who allegedly manipulated land records to create fake deeds for valuable parcels of land.

Earlier, the ED said it had recovered cash worth in excess of ₹36 lakh from the possession of the JMM chief along with documents linked to the ongoing investigation into the alleged acquisition of land by 'fraudulent means'.

The agency added that land parcels spanning 8.5 acres were part of the criminal proceeds that the former CM allegedly acquired

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