Ranchi: A special PMLA court here on Monday rejected the discharge petition filed by chief minister
Hemant Soren in a case registered by the
Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Badgai land scam and money laundering case.
The court of additional judicial commissioner-1 Yogesh Kumar stated that the materials on record revealed more than a suspicion and raise a prima facie case against the CM.
The court also observed that, as per laws related to the discharge petition, it was not required to determine whether the prosecution will ultimately succeed in proving its case beyond doubt, adding that it is only required to examine whether the materials on record were sufficient for proceeding against the accused.
The case concerns 8.83 acres of land in the Badgai circle of Ranchi district. On June 1, 2023, then circle officer (CO) Manoj Kumar registered a case against then revenue sub-inspector Bhanu Pratap Prasad under various sections of IPC. The step was taken after a survey conducted by the CO found that land records were falsified and tampered with.
ED also registered a case in this connection in 2023 and started investigation. The agency later alleged that Prasad was part of a syndicate involved in acquiring land by fraudulent means, which involved tampering with original govt registers, falsification of govt records and manufacturing of false documents. ED further claimed that Prasad was an accomplice to several persons, including the CM, in the illegal act.
Hemant filed the discharge petition before the PMLA court on Dec 12, 2025. After hearing both sides, the court reserved its order on June 3.
With over a decade of experience in journalism, he primarily cove...
Read MoreWith over a decade of experience in journalism, he primarily covers crime, security, central agencies besides reporting on civil courts in Ranchi. He also takes interest in education reporting and has been regularly writing on higher education policies in the state.
Read Less
Follow Us On Social Media