Ranchi, September 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren appeared before a special PMLA court in Ranchi through video conferencing on Thursday as the court heard arguments on framing charges against him in the alleged money laundering case linked to the acquisition of 8.86 acres of land in the Bargain area.
During the hearing, Soren sought additional time to examine documents related to the case. The court observed that the proceedings were at the stage of framing charges and not document inspection. However, considering his request, the court adjourned the matter and fixed September 30 for further proceedings.
The court is expected to resume arguments on framing charges at 11.15 a.m. on September 30.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged illegal acquisition of the disputed land through manipulation and fabrication of records, followed by money laundering. The case concerns an 8.86-acre parcel in Ranchi’s Bargain area.
According to the prosecution case, the ED has filed charges against around 18 accused persons, including Soren. The special PMLA court has already framed charges against 16 other accused, including former revenue officials Bhanu Pratap Prasad and Antu Tirkey and architect Vinod Kumar Singh.
The Jharkhand High Court on September 18 rejected Soren’s plea challenging the rejection of his discharge application and declined to halt the proceedings before the special PMLA court. The High Court’s order cleared the way for the lower court to proceed with the charge-framing process.
Earlier, the Ranchi PMLA court had rejected Soren’s plea seeking postponement of the proceedings. The proceedings had also been deferred after a technical issue prevented his scheduled virtual appearance.
The allegations against Soren remain subject to judicial proceedings, and charges have yet to be formally framed against him in the case.
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