Ranchi, June 8: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren received a significant legal blow on Monday regarding an alleged money laundering case linked to 8.86 acres of land in the Bargain area of Ranchi. The Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) rejected Soren’s discharge petition in this matter. The court had previously reserved its decision after hearing arguments from both sides.
In its ruling on Monday, the court stated that there was insufficient basis to discharge the accused at this stage, based on the available records and allegations. Consequently, the Chief Minister’s discharge petition was dismissed. This case involves allegations of illegal acquisition of land in the Shanti Nagar area of Ranchi and associated money laundering claims.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is currently investigating the case. Based on its findings, the ED has named the Chief Minister as an accused in this matter. In his discharge petition filed on December 5, 2025, Soren claimed that the allegations against him were baseless and that there was not enough evidence to proceed with prosecution. The petition also argued that he had been unnecessarily implicated in the case and that the ED lacked solid evidence against him.
During the hearing, the ED opposed the petition, stating that the evidence and documents gathered during the investigation provided sufficient grounds for the case to proceed. After considering arguments from both sides, the court reserved its order. Following the dismissal of the discharge petition, judicial proceedings will continue, and the case may move towards trial.
Legal experts suggest that the Chief Minister has the option to challenge this order in a higher judicial forum.
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