Political temperature in the State surged after ED issued fresh summons to Chief Minister Hemant Soren in connection with money laundering investigation. While, on one hand the sleuths of the Central probe agency—Enforcement Directorate (ED) visited Soren’s residence at New Delhi, ruling party (JMM) workers organised a protest in Ranchi in response to the fresh summons issued to the Chief Minister.

On Monday Soren was given time to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) about his availability for questioning on January 31, in connection with a money-laundering case linked to an alleged land scam.

An e-mail was sent on Monday informing his availability to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). As per sources, the central agency issued a fresh summons to Jharkhand CM Soren and asked him to be available for questioning on January 29 or 31, or else the agency itself will go to him for questioning. Notably, this is the tenth summon in the land scam case.

The JMM workers on Monday staged a protest in Ranchi. The demonstration reflects the discontent among JMM members regarding the ongoing legal developments involving the Chief Minister. The issue has sparked heightened tensions, as JMM workers voice their concerns through this public display of dissent in the capital. Meanwhile, the protest has signalled a politically charged atmosphere, shedding light on the evolving dynamics between the JMM and the central agency.

As part of precautionary measures security forces were deployed at all major locations of the Capital including Raj Bhawan, CM residence, BJP office at Harmu, security at senior BJP leaders among others. At Raj Bhawan, traffic was restricted as vehicles were diverted to other routes. Security was also tightened at the ED office at Hinoo.

Meanwhile, on Saturday night, Soren went on an unplanned visit to Delhi after the ED issued a fresh summons, asking him to join the investigation in the case. "The visit was not planned. The sudden plan was made after the issuance of a fresh summons by the ED. He has his scheduled events lined up, including a programme in Chaibasa on January 29, in Palamu on January 30, and in Giridih on January 31", an official said on the condition of anonymity. 

Soren, who is also the executive president of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) left for the national capital on January 27 night while scheduled government events of Monday stand cancelled here without any explanation.

Also, officials of the federal probe agency accompanied by Delhi Police personnel reached the 5/1 Shanti Niketan building in South Delhi around 9 am, while a number of press photographers, reporters and camera teams stood outside.

The agency had issued the fresh summons to Soren last week asking him to confirm his availability for questioning on either January 29 or January 31, the sources said.