ED Issues ultimatum to Hemant Soren, seeks timely response for questioning

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its pursuit in the land scam case, issuing an ultimatum to Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Following the Chief Minister's response to the ninth summons, where he assured ED of providing details related to the date and location of the inquiry, ED has penned another letter urging swift action.

In the recent communication, ED has requested Hemant Soren to confirm the time for questioning in the land scam case or propose a meeting on January 31. The ED's letter dated January 25 states that if neither of these dates is specified, the ED reserves the right to conduct the inquiry on any of these days. This development has stirred significant political attention.

Speculations are rife that ED might adopt stringent measures in the ongoing investigation of the land scam case. Earlier, on January 20, ED conducted a seven-hour-long interrogation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren at his residence, focusing on 8.46 acres of land in Bariatu, Badgai area.

During the initial questioning, Hemant Soren provided limited information, leading to a subsequent request by ED for additional time. The Chief Minister responded by expressing intent to provide details at an appropriate time, leading to the current ultimatum from ED. The inquiry revolves around the ownership and acquisition details of the disputed land, with ED continuously probing individuals involved, including the then Revenue Sub Inspector Bhanu Pratap Prasad.