In response to ED’s final chance, Jharkhand CM deems summons ‘unlawful,’: Sources

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who was given a ‘final opportunity’ by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to provide his statement regarding an alleged land scam, has responded to the agency, deeming his summons ‘unlawful,’ according to sources on Tuesday. In his communication to the ED, the Chief Minister reportedly asserted that he has already provided details about his properties. Having missed six prior summons, Soren accused the ED of conducting a media trial and attempting to destabilize the government in his response. Last week, the ED issued the seventh summons under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, warning it was the last chance for Soren to record his statement. The agency urged him to specify a mutually convenient place, date, and time within seven days. Despite repeated summonses, Soren did not appear before the ED, citing various reasons.