'Come and arrest me': Jharkhand CM dares ED, skips summon in illegal mining case

The ED had asked Soren to appear for questioning at its office in Ranchi at around 11:30 am on Nov 3.

“I was summoned by the ED today when I already have a program in Chhattisgarh. What is my crime? If I've committed that big a crime, come and arrest me. Why call me for questioning?” Soren said at the rally as his supporters endorsed him with loud cheers.

“I heard that security has been beefed up outside the ED’s office in Ranchi, and the BJP’s office. Why? Are you scared of Jharkhandis?” he roared into the mic as the crowd broke into applause, according to India Today.

According to media reports, Soren was scheduled to attend several events in Sahibganj and return back to Ranchi in the evening.

To protest, the financial probe agency's summons, Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has organised a 'Hullabolo Rally'.

The ruling Grand Alliance in the state has also called a meeting its MLAs and top leaders at the Chief Minsiter's house in the evening.

The ED has already arrested Soren's aide Pankaj Mishra in the case in connection with the illegal mining case.

In March, ED had filed a case against Mishra under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) accusing him of  "illegally grabbing or amassing huge assets in his favour".

In May, the ED raided 36 locations linked to the MNREGA scam and confiscated Rs 19.76 crore in cash, India Today reported, adding that the searched premises included those of IAS officer Pooja Singhal and her associates.

On July 8, ED had searched 19 locations connected to Pankaj Mishra and his alleged associates.

Soon after the July raids, the ED seized Rs 13.32 crore lying in 50 bank accounts, media reports said.

Pooja Singhal and her Chartered Accountant Suman Kumar were arrested by the ED and are currently in jail.

In August, ED also raided the premises of Prem Prakash after receiving specific inputs from Pankaj Mishra and his aide Bachhu Yadav.

Raids in connection with the alleged illegal mining were also conducted in 16 to 20 locations across Jharkhand, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Delhi-NCR.

To date, the investigators have identified proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 42 crore acquired by the accused Pankaj Mishra, reported India Today.

The PMLA probe found that Pankaj Mishra, who has immense political influence, being the representative of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, MLA from Barhait, Sahebganj, Jharkhand, controls the illegal mining businesses as well as inland ferry services in Sahebganj and its adjoining areas through his accomplices, according to the agency.