Ranchi: A special PMLA court here on Saturday directed chief minister Hemant Soren to appear before it by 3.30 pm on Monday in connection with the alleged illegal acquisition of land in Bargain area.The court said Hemant could appear through video conference. Proceedings on Monday are expected to include arguments on framing charges. Hemant’s counsel had sought a later date, citing his official engagements.The order came a day after Jharkhand high court declined to stay proceedings before the special PMLA court. Hemant had challenged the rejection of his discharge plea and argued that the prosecution required prior sanction. The HC held that the issue did not warrant halting proceedings at this stage.The case relates to an over 8-acre parcel of land in the Bargain area of Ranchi. Enforcement Directorate initiated its money laundering investigation after a police case was registered in 2023 over alleged irregularities in land records. Former revenue sub-inspector Bhanu Pratap Prasad is among those accused in the case.ED has alleged that the land was acquired through manipulation of official records and has linked Hemant to the alleged transaction. The special court had rejected his discharge plea on June 8 this year.
