On Friday, the Jharkhand High Court granted bail to former Chief Minister Hemant Soren in connection with a money laundering case tied to an alleged land scam.
Emerging from jail after five-months in jail, Soren asserted that his imprisonment was based on a fabricated narrative. He criticized the current government, claiming that it targets and imprisons dissenters nationwide.
Addressing his supporters and members of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) upon his release, Soren stated, "What is happening is visible to everyone across the country. I was jailed for five months on a fabricated story. Similarly, journalists and others raising their voices against the government are being imprisoned. Voices are being suppressed, the Chief Minister of Delhi is in jail, and many ministers are also being detained."
Soren expressed concerns about the slow pace of justice, saying, "The process of justice is so delayed that it takes years, not days or months. The sincere efforts of those fulfilling their responsibilities towards the country and society are being hindered."
'I am back among the people of my state'
Reflecting on his return, Soren declared, "Today, I am back among the people of my state. We will work towards fulfilling our commitments. This entire episode serves as a message to the country about the conspiracy against us. The court's order and the exposed truths will soon be available for everyone to see. Assess the court's order carefully."
The court's decision to grant bail was welcomed by Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. They hailed the verdict as a victory for justice.
Insufficient evidence to prove Soren's guilt: HC
In its ruling, the Jharkhand High Court noted that there was insufficient evidence to prove Soren's guilt. The court stated, "It is noteworthy that neither Hemant Soren nor his family members are mentioned in the various registers and revenue records recovered from Bhanu Pratap Prasad's premises."
The court further clarified, "Even considering the broadest possibilities, the petitioner does not seem to be involved in the acquisition and possession of 8.86 acres of land at Shanti Nagar, Baragain, Ranchi, either directly or indirectly, nor is he implicated in concealing the 'proceeds of crime'."
"There is no evidence of the petitioner's direct involvement in the acquisition and possession of the said land in any register or revenue record," the court added.
Based on these findings, the court concluded, "There are sufficient reasons to believe that the petitioner is not guilty of the alleged offence, thereby satisfying the conditions of Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)."
The court ordered Soren's release on bail upon furnishing a bond of Rs. 50,000. His bail bond was presented before PMLA Special Judge Rajiv Ranjan, leading to his release from jail.
'Victory of truth'
Champai Soren lauded the court's decision as a 'victory of truth'.
Soren's release was marked by a significant gathering of JMM workers and supporters, celebrating the court's decision.
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